Newcastle United are close to completing the loan signing of Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham after they were reassured on Monday that the England Under- 21 international wants to make the move to the North East.

Benitez is also interested in signing Arsenal defender Calum Chambers on a season’s loan, but is waiting to hear whether Arsene Wenger wants to keep the centre-back at the Emirates following a successful season at Middlesbrough.

It was initially thought Abraham would sign for Newcastle last week, and the delay raised fears he did not want to leave the south east, particularly as there are other Premier League clubs looking to take him on loan.

However, Chelsea are keen for one of their most exciting prospects to spend at least one season at St James’ Park as they want to expose him to the pressure and expectation that will come at such a big club.