Newcastle United is currently engaged in negotiations with Bournemouth’s defender, Lloyd Kelly, regarding a potential transfer on a free basis, as per reports.
The 25-year-old athlete’s contract is set to expire at the conclusion of the current season, and his prospective inclusion would alleviate financial constraints for the Magpies, enabling reallocation of resources within the club. Fiscal constraints were notably stringent in January, precluding Newcastle from reinforcing their roster despite a roster depleted by injuries.
CEO Darren Eales recently underscored the imperative of adhering to Financial Fair Play (FFP) and Premier League Squad Registration (PSR) regulations, rendering Kelly a judicious choice. Having been acquired by Eddie Howe’s management five years ago, the center-back played a pivotal role in Bournemouth’s ascent to the Premier League in 2022.
Kelly has been sidelined due to injury in recent weeks, with his last appearance occurring during a 2-2 draw against Newcastle over a fortnight ago. Bournemouth’s manager, Andoni Iraola, deployed him as a left-back, thus accentuating his versatility, which is also a desirable trait for Newcastle United.
Newcastle has initiated discussions with Kelly’s representatives regarding a prospective move in the upcoming summer transfer window. AC Milan and several clubs in Germany have also been identified as potential destinations for the former England under-21 international.
One potential repercussion of Kelly’s potential acquisition is the status of club captain Jamaal Lascelles, whose contract is also set to expire in the summer, with reported interest from Turkish powerhouse Besiktas.
Eddie Howe expressed his desire towards the end of the previous year to retain the services of the 30-year-old defender at St James’ Park. Currently, Lascelles stands as the sole backup option for the first team at the center-back position, with Dan Burn consistently featuring on the left flank.
Sven Botman and Fabian Schar presently occupy the role of first-choice defenders for Newcastle United, with on-field captain Kieran Trippier stationed at right-back. Despite experiencing limited game time in recent seasons, Lascelles, who has nearly completed a decade at St James’ Park, retains his role as the club’s off-field captain.