Kenedy completes season-long loan move to Watford

Chelsea have confirmed defender Kenedy's transfer to Watford until the end of the 2016/17 campaign. The Brazilian joined the Blues from Fluminese in his homeland during last summer's transfer window and made 14 appearances in the Premier League last season.

"Kenedy has today joined Watford on loan until the end of the season," a statement on Chelsea's official site read on Tuesday (30 August).

The 20-year-old will be a versatile addition to the Watford first-team squad as he can operate in a number of positions. He is primarily considered a left-back, but can comfortably operate higher up the pitch in a left or right midfield role. The Brazil U23 international scored the fastest goal of the 2015/16 Premier League campaign playing in the left full back position against Norwich City.

Kenedy was signed by Jose Mourinho, but most of his appearances came under Guus Hiddink following the Portuguese manager's sacking in the second-half of the season. Walter Mazzari has had a busy week in the transfer window, with Watford having signed 10 players prior to the Brazilian's arrival. The Hornets are still seeking their first win of the season following two losses and a draw in their first three games of the new campaign.

Antonio Conte has surprisingly sanctioned the versatile full-back's move despite looking for reinforcements at left-back. Baba Rahman has been allowed to join Schalke on loan for the rest of the season leaving Cezar Azpilicueta as the only option in the left side of Chelsea's defence.

According to the Guardian, the west London club are close to finalising a deal for Fiorentina defender Marcos Alonso for a fee in the region of £23m ($30.1m). The two clubs are said to have been in discussion in recent weeks with the Italian club now ready to accept Chelsea's renewed offer.