Rafa Benitez: Kenedy 'keen' on Newcastle move

The Chelsea winger is on a half-season loan at St James's Park.

Kenedy has made a significant impact on the field since arriving from Stamford Bridge in January.

The 22-year-old has scored two goals and helped United climb the Premier League table.

And Kenedy has indicated his willingness to consider a permanent move to Newcastle in the summer.

"I've seen the interviews and what he said," said Benitez, whose side take on Everton at Goodison Park tomorrow night.

"I know his agent, so the point with him is that he's doing well. I was happy because we've been winning and he's been scoring goals and that's fantastic for us and really good news for him.

"The situation is that they need to know where they will finish, and we need to know where we will finish. There is plenty of time to talk."

Asked about reported interest in Kenedy from other clubs, Benitez said: "You can't change that.

"If you want to win games and he's doing well you have to play him. If he's doing even better, than fine, fair enough. You can't change that. It will be more difficult for us, for sure, but he's so happy he'll be keen to stay."

If Chelsea, expected to make a managerial change at the end of the season, decide not to sell Kenedy in the summer, they could still be persuaded to loan him out again.

Benitez said: "If you're asking me, I'd say 'yes'. You'd have to ask them as well. It depends on the other options. It wasn't easy to bring him here, and it wouldn't be easy to bring him here again."