Newcastle United’s search for a centre-back is going well, while they also have a midfielder who is set to become a free agent on their radar.
It is set to be an incredibly exciting summer at Newcastle United, as the Magpies look to kick on from what has to be considered a disappointing campaign. It has been a tough year for Eddie Howe and his side, but they have also learnt a lot of lessons.
They have also suffered a lot of injuries, with those problems being the main reason why Newcastle have struggled so much.
Newcastle have centre-back issues
Two of them have came at centre-back, with Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles suffering ACL injuries. It is a huge blow to lose both players for so long, and they could potentially be out of action for the rest of 2024.
That has focussed minds at St James’ Park, and their initial plan to sign a centre-back has now become a priority.
They are working towards that end, and are hoping to bring in a player who Eddie Howe knows very well.
Newcastle favourites to land Premier League defender
Newcastle United are looking at possible free agents they can sign this summer, as that is the kind of thing that will help their financial situation with regards to profit and sustainability.
And one player who is on their radar is Bournemouth captain Lloyd Kelly, whose contract at the Vitality Stadium expires this summer.
And HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that the Magpies are actually the favourites to sign the 25-year-old right now. However, interest in Fulham’s Tosin Adaradioyo is not quite as strong.
“From my understanding, Newcastle are the favourites to sign Lloyd Kelly,” he said.
“They’re also in the mix for Tosin, but not as much as Kelly.”
Why Lloyd Kelly transfer is so appealing to Newcastle
Getting Kelly on a free would be great business. He is a player who Howe has worked with before, with the Newcastle boss being the one to bring him to Bournemouth back in 2019.
Howe has called Kelly ‘outstanding‘ in the past, and he will hope that is still the case if they are reunited at St James’ Park.
His versatility will be a key asset, with Kelly capable of playing at centre-back and left-back. That could make this free transfer even more impressive, so it is encouraging to read that Newcastle are leading the race as we hurtle towards the end of the season.
Newcastle also keeping an eye on Leicester City midfielder
Newcastle are going in the right direction with their move for Kelly, while they have also looked at Tosin from Fulham.
And now Bailey has shared details of another looming free agent who the Magpies have their eye on, but this time it is a centre-midfielder rather than a centre-back.
“Wilfred Ndidi is also on Newcastle’s radar,” he said.
“There are a lot of good players available on a free this summer, which ticks a lot of boxes for profit and sustainability.”
Wilfred Ndidi’s Leicester City contract is due to expire this summer, as the Foxes close in on promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League.
Whether they go up or not, this could be the end of Ndidi’s Leicester career. Newcastle are looking at him, although signing a player like him probably is not a priority.
When everyone is fit, Howe will have seven centre-midfielders to choose from this season, which may result in Newcastle passing on the chance to sign the Nigeria international.
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