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Antonio Conte confirms Kenedy loan exit as Chelsea close in on transfers

Chelsea coach Antonio Conte has confirmed Kenedy is joining Newcastle on loan but stayed quiet on whether Emerson Palmieri or Edin Dzeko are about to join from Roma.

Standard Sport understands Chelsea are still in talks with the Serie A club over a deal for both players.

They have agreed a four-and-a-half year contract with Emerson, while they are prepared to offer Dzeko a deal until 2021.

Emerson will join regardless as Chelsea only allowed Kenedy, who is undergoing a medical at St James’ Park, to depart if a replacement was found.

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Conte said: “Yes, he (Kenedy) is going on loan to Newcastle. If the club decides to loan one player, they must decide to buy another or work with a young player like (Dujon) Sterling. I’m ready for both cases and then the club has to decide the best for the club.

“(Any progress on Dzeko or Emerson?) I don’t know. If there is news, the club will inform you.”

Kenedy has started just five games for Chelsea this term, all of which in the early rounds of the domestic cup competitions.

Conte has made it clear he doesn’t trust the 21-year-old at the highest level as Marcos Alonso has started every League game this term.

But the Italian feels Kenedy, who failed to impress on loan at Watford last season, will benefit from a switch to the north east.

He added: “For sure we are talking about a young player with great potential. He needs to play with regularity. To go to Newcastle, it’s a great challenge for him.

“This is a good way for the club. We used the same way for Andreas Christensen (loaned to Borussia Monchengladbach) and he is now a Chelsea player and always playing in starting XI.

“This is a good opportunity for him (Kenedy). He must be ready to fight to play in Newcastle - don’t forget last season he spent first six months at Watford and struggled to play.

“But I think now he’s more ready. He plays with us in many games and can show his potential on loan.”