Newcastle United will need to strengthen in defence this summer.
In fact, Newcastle were reportedly on the hunt for new signings in that particular department even before the recent long-term injuries to both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles.
Indeed, Eddie Howe’s side have struggled to defend all season.
There has been a remarkable drop off on that front, with last season’s joint-tightest Premier League backline constantly breached with relative ease this time around.
With Botman and Lascelles facing a significant spell out of action, it’s clear that Howe needs investment there.
Furthermore, the club had actually reportedly considered signing a central defender last summer but their transfer budget simply didn’t stretch that far.
Though it remains unclear as to what kind of impact FFP will have this summer, it would be a major surprise to see Newcastle go through the transfer window without bringing in at least one defender.
Dan Burn’s versatility may be helpful but he and Fabian Schar can’t be expected to start a season which could yet have European football on the calendar as the only two senior centre-backs fit and available.
Still, Newcastle may find it difficult to sign one free agent they’ve been linked with.
Newcastle may face obstacle in trying to sign Lloyd Kelly for free
Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly, who has worked with Howe before during his time in charge on the south coast, has been linked with a move to St James’ Park.
During his time with the Cherries, another of his former managers in Gary O’Neil has hailed the player’s defending as “incredible”.
The 25-year-old is out of contract this summer and talks have reportedly already started.
The Daily Mail, however, now claim there could be some complications.
They report that there is still some negotiating to be done when it comes to signing Kelly and that fees expected by agents and intermediaries could prove a problem in their pursuit of him.
PIF have already proven they won’t be held to ransom
PIF, despite their millions, aren’t there to be held to ransom.
They’ve already pulled out of deals for the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Jesse Lingard when costs became too expensive, so have precedent in pulling the plug on deals.
If Kelly does sign for Newcastle, it won’t be because they’ve gladly paid whatever the agents are demanding.
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