Everton have now joined the race to sign Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly after strong links to both Newcastle United and West Ham United.
The Sunday Mirror (09/01, p71) report that Everton have now added Kelly to their wish list this month.
It’s stated that boss Rafael Benitez wants to add a new centre back after securing full backs Vitaliy Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson.
Everton fans may prefer to get some attacking talent in, but Benitez is eyeing more defenders.
The problem for Everton is that Newcastle and West Ham both want to sign Kelly too.
90Min claim that Newcastle want to reunite Kelly with Eddie Howe, who called Kelly ‘outstanding’ at Bournemouth.
Elsewhere, The Telegraph suggest that West Ham are keen too.
Centre back Kelly is now wanted having enjoyed a superb season so far with Bournemouth.
Kelly has been next to Gary Cahill in the heart of the Bournemouth defence, forming a great partnership.
Cahill’s experience combined with Kelly’s athleticism and ability to play out from the back has been ideal under Scott Parker.
A key to Kelly’s appeal is that he is a left-footed centre back. Many managers now want those players in their team, aiding with playing out from the back and beating the press.
Newcastle have been linked with a host of left-footed centre backs, including Sven Botman, Nico Schlotterbeck and Benoit Badiashile.
Over at West Ham, Angelo Ogbonna is injured and ageing, with Kelly potentially viewed as a long-term replacement.
Everton do need a left-footed centre back too, but finding the money to beat Newcastle and West Ham won’t be easy.
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