Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola does not want to lose Tottenham Hotspur target Lloyd Kelly during the January window.
Tottenham Hotspur target Lloyd Kelly may not be allowed to leave Bournemouth in the January transfer window.
Spurs are expected to move for another left-footed centre back when the transfer window opens.
Micky van de Ven has impressed since his big summer move, but he is now injured for at least the next six weeks.
The Dutchman’s injury highlights Tottenham’s lack of depth in that area and Spurs may well target another left-footed centre back.
Bournemouth boss comments on Tottenham target Lloyd Kelly
One of the key names in the mix is Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly with Spurs thought to be planing a January bid.
The 25-year-old fits the bill for Tottenham as a homegrown, left-footed centre back with pace – and his contract situation is appealing.
Kelly becomes a free agent at the end of the season and Tottenham may be tempted to try a cut-price deal in January.
Bournemouth may have other ideas though with boss Andoni Iraola hoping to see Kelly stay.
Iraola has told the Daily Echo that he doesn’t know what will happen regarding Kelly’s future but he doesn’t want to lose such a ‘very, very good player’.
Iraola feels that Kelly is simply one of Bournemouth’s best players and has been impressive whenever fit, meaning he understands the interest but hopes he stays.
“I don’t know what will happen,” said Iraola. “I don’t want to lose him. For me, he is a very, very good player. I would say he is one of our best players and he has been playing really well for me, the games he has been available.”
“He started with a small injury, but whenever he has been fit, he has been doing really well for us. I value him very highly. It’s normal that he is associated with other big clubs, because I think he has a good level. Of course I don’t want to lose him,” he added.
Matt Wells could be key to Tottenham’s Kelly pursuit
Reports from the London Evening Standard last week highlighted the role of coach Matt Wells in Tottenham’s pursuit.
Wells worked with Kelly during his time on Scott Parker’s coaching staff at Bournemouth and is thought to be a fan.
Wells is now part of the Tottenham staff and works closely with the Spurs defenders, as noted by Ange Postecoglou this season.
That personal connection to Kelly could be vital, potentially making a move to Spurs more appealing than other clubs.
Bournemouth may still hope to convince Kelly into staying long-term, but we would expect to see Spurs making a bid in January in an attempt to add cover for Van de Ven.
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