Eddie Howe could turn to a player he knows very well as Newcastle United aim to replace Sven Botman this summer.
The Magpies are going to be without the 24-year-old centre-back for months, after it was confirmed that he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the FA Cup defeat to Manchester City.
Sven Botman could now be missing for between six and nine months, which is a massive blow during a season in which Newcastle have suffered a ridiculous amount of injuries.
He has vowed to come back a better player, while the injury has heightened Newcastle’s need to sign a centre-back this summer.
Newcastle United now favourites to sign Lloyd Kelly
And they now look set to step up their interest in Lloyd Kelly, according to TalkSPORT.
They report that Newcastle United are now the favourites to sign Lloyd Kelly this summer, with his Bournemouth contract due to expire. He is going to be available on a free, which makes him very appealing to a club that are currently struggling with profit and sustainability restrictions.
TalkSPORT add that the 25-year-old is showing no desire to sign a new contract at the Vitality Stadium, with Tottenham Hotspur and three Italian clubs also looking to secure his signature.
Lloyd Kelly has worked with Eddie Howe before
But they believe that the Magpies are the favourites, and Toon officials do have a trump card up their sleeve.
TalkSPORT report that Eddie Howe is a big fan of Kelly, and they have previously worked together.
Howe was the manager who brought Kelly to Bournemouth, with the Cherries paying Bristol City £13million for him in the summer of 2019.
Four years later and they could be reunited at St James’ Park. It has been claimed that Kelly is interested in a move to Tyneside.
Concerns over whether Kelly is good enough for Newcastle
Getting Kelly on a free would be a good bit of business for Newcastle. He is a talented defender, and was called ‘incredible‘ for his performance in a 1-0 win over Liverpool last year.
But there are concerns over his quality, with Newcastle obviously wanting players who are capable of getting the club back into the Champions League.
PIF have lofty ambitions at St James’ Park, and HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey has reservations over whether Kelly has the quality to take Newcastle to the next level.
“Lloyd Kelly, who they like, is available on a free in the summer,” he said.
“When Botman is back, is Kelly an upgrade on Schar and Lascelles? Yeah, possibly, but maybe not to the extent that fans want. You want another Botman-type player if you’re going to bring one in, but it’s about getting all these things together when you’re spending money.
“Kelly is good, but is he a top four starter? I’m not sure he is.”
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