West Ham tipped to sign ‘top’ Premier League star as Kelly update reported – pundit
Paul Robinson has tipped West Ham to sign Liverpool defender Nat Phillips over Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly in the January transfer window.
The former Leeds goalkeeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the Cherries’ unwillingness to sell Kelly, 23, could see Phillips, 24, join the Irons instead.
As reported by the Daily Telegraph on Sunday (26 December), David Moyes has identified Kelly among his top targets to bolster his defence next month.
However, the Irons may struggle to strike a deal as Bournemouth push for the Championship title.
As revealed by Football Insider last month (29 November), West Ham have also been laying the groundwork to sign Phillips from Liverpool.
Robinson suggested the 24-year-old is a more likely signing than Kelly next month.
Asked if he thought Kelly is ready to step up to the Premier League, Robinson told Football Insider’s Dylan Childs: “I think he is. I have seen bits of him and he is a top defender.
“But Bournemouth are looking to get back into the Premier League.
“January is a difficult window. The money Bournemouth would get for him? I suspect the value of getting in the Premier League will be greater than selling a player in January.
“The Nat Phillips deal I can see happening. Liverpool, we know finances are not as affluent as other clubs.
“He is a player on the fringes, he has not got much game time this year, hardly any. But he is a top player who would fit the mould of what David Moyes would want.
“That is a deal I could definitely see going through in January.”
Kelly has been a mainstay for Bournemouth this season, making 19 Championship appearances.
The Cherries sit top of the second tier after Monday’s 1-0 win over QPR.
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