NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - APRIL 12: Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe during the Newcastle United Press Conference at the Newcastle United Training Centre on April 12, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Newcastle United Ready Formal Talks To Land Player Without Wary Of Rival Interest after agreeing deal
Newcastle United are pushing to do a quick deal to sign Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer as they are wary of more clubs getting involved in the chase, according to Sky Sports News.
With PSR issues potentially curtailing their spending power, Newcastle have been mindful about picking up free agents.
Kelly, who will be out of contract at Bournemouth at the end of next month, has been a key target for the Magpies this summer.
They have been doing legwork behind the scenes to make sure that they take the defender to St. James’ Park ahead of next season.
Newcastle are claimed to be ready to open formal talks with Kelly and his representatives over a transfer soon.
Eddie Howe’s side are pushing to make sure that they get a deal over the line soon for the defender.
They remain reasonably confident of signing him but they are pushing for a quick resolution as they remain wary of more clubs getting involved.
Several other teams have their eyes on Kelly but Newcastle have had a straight shot at getting their hands on him.
Newcastle want to keep it that way and not get into a transfer tussle with other clubs for the 25-year-old’s signature.
Newcastle have reached an agreement to sign Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer.
Kelly has spent the last five years at the Cherries after joining from Bristol City, but his contract is set to expire at the end of next month.
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The Magpies have moved quickly to secure his signature, and Mail Sport understands a deal is now in place for the 25-year-old to move to St James’ Park this summer.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe – who managed Bournemouth across two separate spells between 2008 and 2020 – is a long-term admirer of Kelly, and is finally set to land his man.
Kelly made 23 league appearances for Bournemouth in the 2023-24 season, and is capable of playing at centre back or left back.
His addition will bolster Newcastle’s defensive ranks after centre backs Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles both picked up ACL injuries in the final months of the season that are set to rule them out until the end of 2024.
Howe is keen to bring in more defensive reinforcements in the off-season, with Newcastle also making a move for Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo.
Adarabioyo is out of contract at Craven Cottage this summer, and has also attracted interest from Manchester United.
However, Mail Sport exclusively revealed on Wednesday that Newcastle are closing in on signing the 26-year-old, with the framework of his contract now in place.
Barring any last-minute stumbling blocks, Adarabioyo is expected to be Newcastle’s first signing of the summer, with a deal expected to be concluded in London in the coming days.
Kelly should follow him through the door on Tyneside, as Newcastle look to make a fast start to the summer transfer window.
