Newcastle could sell Lloyd Kelly for 'huge profit' amid 'surprise'

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Published on:

19 Jan 2025, 9:15 am

Newcastle United could be tempted to cash in on Lloyd Kelly in an attempt to raise money from his sale, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O'Rourke revealed that the Magpies could make a "huge profit" on the 26-year-old after signing him for free in the summer.

However, Eddie Howe is not willing to weaken his squad mid-way through the season and it would be a "surprise" to see the centre-back leave this month.

Kelly is also said to be keen to stay at St James' Park, prove himself, and fight for his place in the team despite his limited opportunities so far this season.

This comes after reports claimed Newcastle turned down an offer from Turkish giants Fenerbahce, led by Jose Mourinho, who is a big fan of the defender.

Since joining the Magpies in the summer, Kelly has started just four Premier League games and has struggled to establish himself in the team despite a strong relationship with Howe.

Newcastle United respond to Fenerbahce offer for Lloyd Kelly

Newcastle's persistent defensive concerns so far this season have come as a result of a lack of depth in the squad and a number of injury issues.

Kelly remains an important part of their squad, and his exit would force them to bring in a new option to provide cover at the back.

As a result, they are unlikely to consider letting one of their backup options leave the club despite the allure of making a large profit and what that would mean for their financial situation.

Instead, the transfer team at St James' Park have turned their attention to landing a new defensive option this month after missing out on key targets in the summer.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 14 January that the Magpies are lining up a move to sign Fikayo Tomori after sending scouts to Milan.

(Photo Credit: Imago)

Even if a new defender is signed this month, it is not expected to have an effect on Kelly's future, and he remains unlikely to leave the North East in January.

In other news, Newcastle line up deal to sign "perfect Callum Wilson replacement".

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