Former Newcastle target Lloyd Kelly could return for Bournemouth tonight

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Newcastle United could see former target Lloyd Kelly up close tonight with the defender set to make his return from injury.

The Bournemouth ace has spent most of the season out with an ankle problem, limiting him to just five appearances so far.

But the Cherries skipper could make his comeback tonight, when Bournemouth take on Newcastle at St James’ Park for a place in the next round of the Carabao Cup.

Newcastle had been hoping that their injured star Alexander Isak would be fit for this fixture, but that is not the case. But for Bournemouth, they could be set to welcome one of their top players back into the fold.

Gary O’Neil on Lloyd Kelly possibly making his return tonight

Ahead of the game, new Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil spoke to the media and provided an update on Kelly.

“Lloyd is back in full training now and we’re delighted with that, so he is available,” O’Neil said.

“He has done really well to get back so quickly and he’s been training well. It doesn’t look like he’s been away, but he does need game time.”

Newcastle wanted to sign Kelly

Kelly could play at St James’ Park tonight, and that could have became his permanent home had things gone differently earlier this year.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Newcastle. Eddie Howe wanted him in January and the summer, as he eyed a reunion with a player he has signed before and called ‘outstanding‘.

Before Sven Botman arrived in the summer, the Magpies were searching for a new centre-back. And one option was Kelly.

However, Bournemouth priced Newcastle out of a move for one of their key players. According to the Athletic, Toon officials were left staggered by how much money Bournemouth wanted for Kelly.

In the end, Howe brought in Botman for £35million, and he is proving to be a revelation. The Dutchman looks like an excellent signing, and could be part of our defence for a long time at the age of 22.

But it will be interesting to see what Kelly is capable of tonight. He left Newcastle ‘staggered’ earlier this year – now we could get the chance to see if Howe should have splashed out to sign him.