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Newcastle United are likely to complete the free transfer acquisition of former Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly in their first move in a crucial window.
After missing out on Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who chose to join Chelsea instead, the success in discussions for Kelly will be a significant boost to boss Eddie Howe.
Howe bought Kelly for Bournemouth from Bristol City for £13 million in 2017, and Newcastle saw the 25-year-old as outstanding value for money as a free agent. The defender is likely to sign a five-year contract.
Talks had been ongoing for several weeks, and Kelly had other offers to consider, but he thought Newcastle was the best club for him, and he wanted to work with Howe again.
A verbal agreement has reportedly been made between the player and his representative, according to Telegraph Sport. When the transfer window officially opens, he will be the club’s first summer acquisition.
Kelly can play as a left-sided centre-back or left-back, adding depth to a defence that will be missing Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles until the end of 2024.
Kelly has also had his share of injury difficulties, but he should still be in his prime years and has previous experience playing for Howe, so he should have little trouble adjusting to his new squad.Newcastle will now concentrate their efforts on signing a right winger, a right-sided centre-back, and a striker. Newcastle insiders have confessed that their list of targets is narrow this summer, with several of them expected to be pricey and tough to lure away from their current clubs.
Newcastle agree five-year deal with Lloyd Kelly
Newcastle’s squad depth was exposed last season during a catastrophic injury crisis, and the club’s leadership is determined to strengthen Howe’s hand as they strive for a top-six finish the following season.
They also need to sell players this month and, according to Telegraph Sport, are considering a number of offers for promising young winger Yankuba Minteh.
Striker Callum Wilson might also be transferred, with the 32-year-old looking for a fresh challenge after sliding behind Alexander Isak in the pecking order at St James’ Park. Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin is one of the names being considered as a replacement for Wilson if he goes.
Newcastle have inquired about signing Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. However, they have to submit a proposal that meets the player’s valuation yet.
In Newcastle’s failure to qualify for European football next season, the club shifted their goalkeeping aim from Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale, who would have been direct competition for current No. 1 Nick Pope, to a young goalkeeper who will study behind him the next season.
Discussions with Burnley will continue to go on. However, no deal gets made until July 1st because to concerns regarding profitability and sustainability. The club needs to raise funds through sales before the end of June.
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