Newcastle United need to sign at least one centre-back this summer, and have now identified their top target.
The Magpies already had plans to buy a new central defender when the transfer window opens, but their need only intensified when Sven Botman went down with an ACL injury that could rule him out for the rest of 2024.
And now it is absolutely essential that another centre-back joins the club after Jamaal Lascelles suffered the same fate. He sustained an ACL injury during the 4-3 win over West Ham, and could also be absent for the rest of the calendar year.
PSR issues impacting Newcastle’s centre-back search
Newcastle definitely needed one, but now they might have to sign two new centre-backs. And with the financial limitations of PSR, their budget may suddenly be stretched.
But Newcastle have perhaps found a way to counter that, as they look towards players who are on course to become free agents this summer.
Toon officials have been looking in the bargain bin, and have found a Premier League defender who Eddie Howe knows very well.
Newcastle United identify top transfer target
According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle United have now identified their top defensive target heading into the summer transfer window.
They state that Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly is at the top of the club’s list, with the 25-year-old due to become a free agent this summer.
He has recently rejected a new deal at the Vitality Stadium, and it looks like he will almost certainly be available for nothing at the end of the season.
Of course, a free transfer is never ‘free’. There is always a bigger signing on fee, and Newcastle know they will need to offer Kelly very good terms to tempt him to Tyneside.
But it has been claimed that the former Bristol City player is open to a move to St James’ Park, while the Magpies are currently the favourites to secure his signature.
Newcastle looked at Lloyd Kelly in January
The Magpies appear to be well placed to land Kelly on a free, having opted against paying a fee for him at the start of the year.
The Northern Echo report that Newcastle did consider making a move for Kelly during the January transfer window, but decided to put their interest on hold in the hope that he would let his Bournemouth contract run down.
That appears to be exactly what is happening, which makes a deal for Kelly all the more appealing.
Eddie Howe knows all about Kelly
There is also the Eddie Howe factor, with the Newcastle boss having worked with Kelly before. He was the one who brought him to Bournemouth from Bristol City, and now they could be reunited in the North East.
If Kelly does arrive, there will immediately be a sense of trust between the manager and the player, which should help him hit the ground running.
Kelly would also provide another strong voice in the dressing room and on the pitch, with the current Bournemouth captain previously describing himself as a ‘leader‘. Those leadership skills, combined with his versatility and looming free agent status, make this deal a no-brainer.
It is easy to see why Kelly is Newcastle’s top centre-back target, and hopefully a deal can be agreed.
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