Rafael Benitez wants to make Kenedy and Martin Dubravka Newcastle transfers permanent

0:32 Rafael Benitez wants to make the signings of Newcastle loan duo Kenedy and Martin Dubravka permanent. Rafael Benitez wants to make the signings of Newcastle loan duo Kenedy and Martin Dubravka permanent.

Rafael Benitez has expressed his interest in making the signings of Newcastle loanees Kenedy and Martin Dubravka permanent over the summer.

Winger Kenedy and goalkeeper Dubravka have both impressed since joining the Magpies from Chelsea and Sparta Prague respectively during the January transfer window.

The duo starred during a four-game Premier League winning streak across March and April, which all but ensured Newcastle's Premier League status for another season.

"Kenedy is a player that we like," Benitez said.

"He has been doing really well and we have to wait and come back and talk with Chelsea about his future.

0:31 Newcastle winger Christian Atsu says the players and the fans want Rafa Benitez to continue on as the manager. Newcastle winger Christian Atsu says the players and the fans want Rafa Benitez to continue on as the manager.

"Dubravka is an easy one because we have the option and it's not a secret that we are happy with him, so we will see how we finish but that is an easy one."

Benitez, who has one year left on his contract, provided no clear update on his future.

Since reaching the 40-point mark by beating Arsenal in mid-April, Newcastle have suffered defeats to Everton, West Brom and Watford.

Despite the slump, support for Benitez from Newcastle players and fans alike remains overwhelming.

4:11 Phil Thompson says Jonjo Shelvey gave a passing exhibition in the second half of Newcastle's 2-1 defeat to Watford. Phil Thompson says Jonjo Shelvey gave a passing exhibition in the second half of Newcastle's 2-1 defeat to Watford.

"In terms of the conversations with the club, it is still the same," Benitez added.

"We have no news. I am not thinking of a time frame, but we have plenty of time this week to talk."

Benitez took charge at Newcastle in March 2016, and after suffering relegation from the Premier League months later, the 58-year-old penned a three-year deal as he looked to seal an immediate return to the top tier.

The club did so with relative ease, winning last season's Sky Bet Championship title with 95 points, one clear of Brighton.