Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is upbeat over their chances of signing Chelsea wing-back Kenedy.

Benitez, who still wants to sign three players this month, believes that Chelsea will use Brazilian left-sided player Kenedy in the FA Cup fourth round tie next weekend against United before loaning him out.

When asked how close he was to signing a player, Benitez said after defeat to Manchester City: “This morning I had a message but I have not been able to check (during the game) for an update.

“Hopefully we are closer. We have a list of players and have to be sure we do our best our last conversation with Mike Ashley was I have the green light to get players.

“Players hopefully can come in before January 31."