Newcastle United have once again been linked with Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly.
The 23-year-old was linked with the Magpies going into the January transfer window. However, a move didn’t come to fruition.
Newcastle struggled to sign a centre-back, eventually bringing in Dan Burn on deadline day. But Kelly was linked way before the local lad, and is a player Eddie Howe looks to be targeting again in the summer.
According to the Express, the Magpies are lining up a £12million bid for the Bournemouth captain. The report states that Kelly is one of Howe’s top summer targets.
It’s no surprise that Howe is a big fan of Kelly – he was the manager who brought him to Dean Court in 2019. But signing him for a second time might be difficult.
No chance Bournemouth will sell Lloyd Kelly to Newcastle for £12m
When Bournemouth signed Kelly almost three years ago, he cost £13million from Bristol City. He’s gone from exciting left-back to impressive centre-back – a leader who seems destined for the Premier League.
With that in mind, there is absolutely no chance that the Cherries will sell him at a loss. The Express claim Newcastle are lining up a £12million bid – and if that’s true then the Toon owners are wasting their time.
Given the inflated prices Newcastle will be charged for players nowadays, it’s simply unfathomable that Bournemouth will sell one of their best players for just £12million.
On top of that, they could be a Premier League club next season. Scott Parker’s side are well placed to achieve automatic promotion back to the top flight. That will only strengthen their position when it comes to Kelly.
They’ll want to keep him – unless a ridiculous financial offer comes in. £12million will not cut it.
If Newcastle are serious about signing Kelly this summer then they’ll have to offer a lot more than the figure that is being alleged.
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