Newcastle United are already eyeing up Bournemouth central defender Lloyd Kelly for a big summer transfer to St James’ Park.
That’s according to The Sunday Mirror (06/02, p65), who claim that Newcastle are looking towards Kelly just days after the January window ended.
It’s stated that Newcastle scouts have been watching Kelly closely this season and that will continue ahead of the summer window.
Eddie Howe is a huge fan of Kelly; after all, he paid £13million to sign Kelly from Bristol City in the summer of 2019.
Howe wanted to sign Kelly in January but Bournemouth simply wouldn’t do a deal as they chase promotion back to the Premier League.
Howe has called Kelly ‘outstanding’, backing him for a big future due to having ‘great potential’ to develop into a star.
Newcastle are looking to go back in with a summer move though, especially if they stay up and Bournemouth fail to win promotion.
Kelly is only 23 but is already serving as Bournemouth’s captain having taken the armband in January following Steve Cook’s exit.
That’s despite his relative youth and the presence of veteran players like Gary Cahill and Adam Smith being in the Bournemouth squad.
Kelly is clearly highly-regarded at Bournemouth, and that means Newcastle will face a huge fee for the defender this summer.
You also have to question where Kelly fits in given that Howe has just brought in another left-sided centre back in Dan Burn.
Howe could play two left-footed defenders next to each other, but it’s just not very often you see that happen.
After a chaotic January window, Newcastle are at least planning well in advance for the summer, and Kelly already near the top of their list.
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