Stoke City are set to be handed a huge boost in their hunt for Newcastle United winger Matt Ritchie, with the Premier League club set to announce the signing of Chelsea winger Kenedy.

According to the Daily Mail, the Brazilian is set to sign on the dotted line for the Toon on a loan deal until the end of the season, meaning manager Rafa Benitez now has the replacement in place he wanted before allowing Ritchie to make his move to the Potters.

Ritchie has been expecting to make a move to the Bet365 with new manager Rowett wanting to add the former Bournemouth man to his ranks as he seeks to get the Potters back into the Premier League at the first attempt.

And now, news of Kenedy's impending arrival at St James' Park is music to the ears of Rowett, and he will no doubt be pressing ahead with his plans for Ritchie tomorrow and the rest of the week.

Stoke are looking to splash the cash this summer and have drawn up a big list of targets to help improve their squad. They are expecting to sign Ritchie, but had been waiting for Toon manager Rafa Benitez to ok the deal and get his replacement in place.

Stoke fans, what do you think to this development? Good news surely? Give us your thoughts in the comments!