Round-up: Newcastle eye Kenedy as QPR move for LuaLua
Newcastle look set to sign Kenedy on loan from Chelsea.
Magpies manager Rafael Benitez has spoken to Chelsea, where the Spaniard previously had a spell as interim boss, and a deal appears to be close.
Kenedy, 21, is not in Blues boss Antonio Conte’s plans for the coming season.
Last term the Brazilian had an injury-affected loan spell at Watford, making just one first-team appearance, as a substitute.
He was sent home from Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the Far East this summer after an offensive post about China on social media.
QPR set to bring back LuaLua
QPR are set to re-sign Kazenga LuaLua on a six-month loan from Brighton, West London Sport revealed on Thursday.
The 26-year-old winger joined the R’s on loan in January and made 11 appearances last season, nine of them as a substitute.
His time at Loftus Road was interrupted by an ankle injury which sidelined him for almost two months.
He is not in Brighton manager Chris Hughton’s first-team plans and the newly promoted club have agreed he can return to west London.
The deal is expected to go through in time for LuaLua to be available for QPR’s game at Sheffield Wednesday this weekend.
Caulker feels ‘set free’
Steven Caulker has told QPR’s website he sees his return to action as a new chapter in his career.
Caulker played the full 90 minutes of this week’s cup win against Northampton Town – his first competitive game since October last year.
The defender, who has been troubled by a persistent hip problem, recently returned to training after speaking about his mental health issues and addictions to gambling and alcohol.
“I feel better that I’ve opened up. It’s set me free a bit. I’m walking the truth now. My recovery, touch wood, is going well and long may it continue,” Caulker said.
“I’ve still got a long way to go to fulfil my potential. I almost feel like I’m starting again, which is quite exciting.
“I’ve played a lot of of games but I’ve played a lot of them in heavy depression and not where I want to be. For me Tuesday was the start of something new in my career.
“It’s been really tough. There’s been times I didn’t picture myself being out on the pitch again, especially for QPR.”
Bees and QPR to meet in cup
QPR and Brentford have been drawn to face other in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
The west London neighbours will battle it out at Loftus Road for a place in the round three, while Fulham have been drawn at home to League One side Bristol Rovers.
The ties will be played in the week commencing 21 August.
McDonald fitness boost
Kevin McDonald is back in training and could be available for Fulham’s game at Reading on Saturday.
The Whites midfielder missed Saturday’s opening-day draw against Norwich because of a slight calf problem.
New contract for Robshaw
Chris Robshaw has signed a new three-year contract at Harlequins.
The former England captain, 31, has made more than 200 appearances for Quins since making his debut for the club in 2005.
“I am extremely proud to have re-signed with the club who gave me my first chance as a player and I’ve cheered for since I was a child,” he said.
Middlesex win
Stevie Eskinazi’s maiden T20 half-century set up an incredible Middlesex victory as they maintained their faint hopes of qualification with a two-run win over Sussex.
Eskinazi struck 57 not out from 44 balls at Lord’s – but the home side appeared to be well short of a competitive total as they posted 147-6.
Sussex’s success seemed inevitable as opener Chris Nash top scored with 69 – yet they were denied by tight bowling at the death from Nathan Sowter, Tim Southee and Tom Helm.
