Newcastle United to break club-record fee for Chelsea's Kenedy?

Newcastle United could reportedly be forced to break their club record to sign Kenedy from Chelsea this month.

Manager Rafael Benitez is believed to be keen to strengthen the squad for the second half of the season in a bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

According to The Chronicle, Chelsea expect the North-East outfit to spend in excess of £16m to secure the 21-year-old, whose loan deal to St James' Park fell through in the summer.

The publication adds that Newcastle hope to sign two players this week, with at least one coming through the welcome gates before Sunday's FA Cup game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

In addition, the club have not rejected rumours that they are interested in Everton attacker Sandro Ramirez.