Breaking News: The BBC claimed this morning that Newcastle is close to signing two spectacular aces from the same squad, making them a serious contender for shock value as negotiations continue.

Newcastle on the verge of signing Lloyd Kelly & Tosin Adarabioyo

Newcastle has reached an agreement to sign Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer, according to Sam Brookes of the Daily Mail. The Magpies are also on the verge of signing Tosin Adarabioyo of Fulham for the second addition ahead of next season.

Kelly, 25, will join the Magpies this summer after his contract with Bournemouth expires at the end of next month.

Kelly has been with Bournemouth for the past five years, having joined from Bristol City. He made 23 league appearances in the 2023-24 season and is considered a versatile defender, capable of playing both center-back and left-back. Eddie Howe, who previously managed Bournemouth, has long been interested in bringing Kelly to St James’ Park.

The addition of Kelly is part of Newcastle’s efforts to strengthen their defensive lineup and his skill set certainly adds another level of flexibility to Howe’s plans for next year. The move also comes in response to injuries suffered by center backs Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, both of whom are sidelined with ACL injuries until late 2024, as well as to keep the financial books balanced by not having to pay a transfer fee for the player.

In addition to Kelly, Newcastle is also about to confirm the arrival of Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo.

Adarabioyo, 26, is out of contract at Craven Cottage this summer and has drawn interest from Manchester United. However, Newcastle is close to securing his signature, with the framework of his contract already in place pending the signature and the official announcement.

The deal is expected to be finalized in the coming days, making Adarabioyo Newcastle’s first signing of the summer transfer window, shortly to be followed by the arrival of Kelly.

The quick moves for Kelly and Adarabioyo certainly underscore Newcastle’s proactive approach to the summer transfer market and are a welcome development following the inactivity the club experienced through the winter window last January.