Newcastle United’s quest to secure the services of Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth has hit a snag, according to Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth. Despite earlier reports suggesting an imminent transfer, Sheth reveals that a deal is still in the works and faces competition from other clubs.
Following Kelly’s official release from Bournemouth, initial reports hinted at his imminent arrival at St James’ Park. However, Sheth’s update indicates that there’s no definitive agreement yet. The emergence of interest from clubs like Roma and Atletico Madrid adds further complexity to the situation.
Despite the uncertainty, discussions between Newcastle and Kelly have progressed to an advanced stage. The potential reunion with former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe adds intrigue to the scenario. Howe, who initially brought Kelly to Bournemouth in 2019, sees value in the versatile defender’s ability to operate both at centre-back and left-back.
While Kelly may not boast the status of a marquee signing, his versatility and familiarity with Howe’s tactics make him a valuable asset for Newcastle. His potential arrival could provide much-needed depth, especially in light of Sven Botman’s injury absence.
However, there’s a lingering concern that a last-minute offer from another club could derail Newcastle’s plans, reminiscent of Chelsea’s swoop for Tosin Adarabioyo. Nonetheless, Newcastle remains hopeful that the deal will proceed smoothly, bolstering their defensive options for the upcoming season.