Reporter names transfer he ‘can see happening’ at Newcastle next month

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The January transfer window is going to be an interesting month for Newcastle United.

The rumour mill has gone into overdrive since the Saudi-backed takeover went through in October. New players have been linked every day, with some targets bordering on outrageous.

There have been realistic options too – particularly the domestic targets.

And one of those is Lloyd Kelly. The Daily Mail recently reported that the Bournemouth defender features on Eddie Howe’s list of January targets.

He’s a player Howe knows well, with the current Toon boss bringing him to Bournemouth for £13million in 2019. He was very complimentary of Kelly, praising his leadership potential.

Howe has gone on to be proven right, with Kelly captaining the Cherries on multiple occasions this season. But could he be on the move in January?

Keith Downie comments on possible Lloyd Kelly to Newcastle transfer

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has written about a few of Newcastle’s rumoured targets, including Kelly.

After discussing the unlikelihood of Jesse Lingard arriving and a possible statement signing of Kieran Trippier, Downie switched his attentions to centre-backs.

“Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly, who of course has worked with Howe before, is another I can see happening,” he wrote.

Kelly would be an interesting signing, and he does strike you as a realistic option. One worry would be Bournemouth’s willingness to do business, considering they are in the middle of a Premier League promotion charge.

But a big offer from PIF would surely tempt the Cherries into a sale.

The next issue would be Kelly’s lack of Premier League experience. He joined Bournemouth when they were in the top flight, but spent most of the season injured before Howe’s former side suffered relegation.

The 23-year-old has kicked on since then, developing into a decent centre-back. That’s exactly what Newcastle need, as they aim to tighten their defence and avoid the drop.

Kelly has potential and would be a good signing, but needs to arrive alongside some Premier League experience. Downie might be able to see a deal happening for Kelly, but he can’t be the only centre-back to move to St James’ Park next month.