Report suggests Southampton will have to pay in excess of £15m for Bristol City’s Lloyd Kelly

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Southampton and Bournemouth have been linked with Bristol City’s Lloyd Kelly.

According to a report in the Bristol Post, Lloyd Kelly is the subject of interest from Southampton and Bournemouth, but Bristol City are determined to keep him and will only allow him to leave for an extreme bid.

It is claimed in the report Southampton made an enquiry for Kelly back in January. At the time, Bristol City hierarchy quoted £15 million but now they will seek even more following his impressive performances.

Kelly is an England U21 international and has made 32 Championship appearances this season. His progression in the first-team has been aided by Joe Bryan’s transfer to Fulham last summer.

Southampton are said to have had scouts at Ashton Gate for much of the season as they monitor his development, but they face a fight for his signature from fellow Premier League side Bournemouth.

The Saints have Ryan Bertrand as first-choice left-back while academy graduate Matt Targett is seen as a long-term option there following his impressive loan spell at Fulham last season.

But Bristol City’s Kelly arguably has more potential, with many at Ashton Gate tipping the youngster to go on and become a full England international at some moment in the future.

City sold Bryan, Bobby Reid and Aden Flint last summer. After just missing out on a playoff spot this season, they will be looking to retain their best players this summer and set their sights on a push for promotion.