Eddie Howe needs a stronger Newcastle United squad next season, and is looking to address that in the coming months.
It is going to be an important transfer window for Newcastle United, having seen their current campaign completely disrupted by injury.
That will give Eddie Howe reason to believe that he needs an even deeper squad, whilst also striving to keep top stars such as Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak. That is his aim, with Newcastle boasting no desire to sell either of them.
Once this season ends, Howe’s main focus will be reinforcements, which could result in a reunion at St James’ Park.
Newcastle are interested in Premier League defender
The Magpies need more options in defence, with Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles both recovering from ACL injuries. It is unclear when they will return, but there is a chance they both could be out for the rest of 2024.
That is exactly why Newcastle must sign a centre-back this summer, and they are working towards that end.
The frontrunner to arrive is Lloyd Kelly, with Geordie Boot Boys recently being told that Newcastle United are the favourites to secure his signature.
The £13million man has been signed by Eddie Howe before, with the 46-year-old being the one to bring him to Bournemouth back in 2019.
Why Eddie Howe wants to sign Lloyd Kelly
Understandably, Howe rates Kelly very highly, and a new report from TalkSPORT has detailed two reasons why Newcastle United want to sign him this summer.
They state that the Magpies are attracted to Kelly because of his versatility, with the 25-year-old capable of playing at centre-back and left-back. As Dan Burn is showing right now, that is a valuable quality.
The other reason Newcastle are keen, according to TalkSPORT, is the fact that Kelly is going to be available on a free. His Bournemouth contract expires this summer, meaning Newcastle or any other suitor will not have to pay a transfer fee.
In an era where profit and sustainability is holding clubs back, getting a player of Kelly’s quality on a free transfer is huge.
Deal makes total sense for Newcastle
When you consider both of those factors, a deal to being Kelly to St James’ Park makes complete sense.
Combine that with the fact that he is a solid Premier League player, a ‘leader‘, and someone who Eddie Howe knows very well and it’s a no-brainer.
If the Magpies can get this deal done, Kelly will be a great addition to Howe’s squad. He will add the extra depth that is required, and could be a key asset if Newcastle are competing in the Europa or Europa Conference League.
TalkSPORT also state that Kelly’s decision will be based on what is best for his footballing career rather than money, and the chance to play in Europe could be very appealing – providing Newcastle qualify.
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