Newcastle United plot Lloyd Kelly raid as new signing plan revealed – sources
Newcastle United are set to launch a free transfer swoop for Bournemouth star Lloyd Kelly in the summer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The Magpies are set to prioritise defensive reinforcements in the off-season after serious knee injuries for both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles.
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (3 April) that Newcastle are planning to sign two central defenders to minimise the impact of their injury crisis.
Eddie Howe and his recruitment staff had been planning to swoop for a new defender regardless of injuries in their squad but are now ready to bring in two new faces during the off-season.
It is believed at least one of those signings will be a left-sided defender.
Newcastle ready to sign free agent Kelly this summer after injury crisis
Left-footer Kelly fits the profile of the player Newcastle are seeking as he can play both at centre-back and left-back – and has done so for Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The 25-year-old, who was brought to the club by Eddie Howe in 2019, is available on a free transfer this summer as his Cherries contract is set to expire in June.
Liverpool and Tottenham are among the other sides to be widely linked with a potential swoop for the former England Under-21 international.
Kelly has made 18 appearances across all competitions for Bournemouth this term – 15 of which have come as part of the starting lineup.
He has racked up 134 games in total for the south coast club since joining from Bristol City in 2019 – with 47 of those outings coming in the Premier League.
Newcastle lined up with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn at the heart of the defence during their 1-1 draw against Everton on Tuesday (2 April).
In other news, Newcastle United ready to open talks over midfielder deal.
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