Some big claims have emerged on Newcastle’s pursuit of out-of-contract Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly.
After transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed last night that Kelly was a ‘top target’ for the Toon in a post on X, Foot Mercato reporter Santi Aouna has released an exclusive claiming we’ve now reached a ‘verbal agreement’ to sign the 25-year-old.
He claims there’s now an agreement between the player and Newcastle that will see him sign on a free transfer next month, suggesting we’ve struck a deal to secure our first signing of the summer window.
While it is clear defence is a priority for Howe, we also know that the gaffer values signing a player that he knows or has worked with previously. It is no surprise then, that Kelly has been targeted, with the defender offering versatility, Premier League experience and leadership as the Cherries’ vice captain.
Howe signed the versatile left-sided defender while he was at the south coast side with Kelly joining to seemingly provide cover for the injured Sven Botmaon and provide another option at left-back.
Kelly has featured 21 times for the Cherries this season in the league and ranks among the top performers in the league for clearances per 90 minutes.
🚨EXCL: ⚪️⚫️🏴 #PL |
🔐 Newcastle are set to sign Lloyd Kelly as free agent❗️ Verbal agreement in place between parties.
🔚 The 25 y/o center back will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season to join the Magpieshttps://t.co/DCf33dCZcC pic.twitter.com/q7dL2ypFBk
— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) May 7, 2024
