How Eddie Howe really feels as Newcastle United decide to cash in on Lloyd Kelly

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The Newcastle United squad is set to get weaker, as Lloyd Kelly prepares to join Juventus.

After only joining Newcastle United in the summer, Lloyd Kelly’s Toon career is already set to come to a surprising end.

Juventus have agreed to sign Kelly, with the defender set to represent a different club that wears black and white stripes.

Worryingly, Newcastle are not expected to sign anyone despite Kelly’s looming exit. That is a concern, as the Magpies’ squad has already gotten weaker during this transfer window, with Miguel Almiron joining Atlanta United.

Eddie Howe reacts as Newcastle United agree to sell Lloyd Kelly

It is not an ideal end to the January transfer window, and TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys how Eddie Howe has reacted to Newcastle United’s decision to loan Lloyd Kelly out with an obligation to buy.

“It’s virtually agreed,” he said.

“That deal will get done. As we’ve spoken about before, it is not a major surprise. The player was pushing for it. There is no smoke without fire, so it is not a huge surprise to see this deal almost finalised.

“It’s going to be an obligation to buy in the summer. He is going.

“Eddie Howe’s opinion is taken into account. We saw that with Martin Dubravka. He didn’t really want to lose Miguel Almiron. Eddie Howe is not happy about Lloyd Kelly leaving.

“From Eddie Howe’s point of view, I think he has long accepted that they would not be bringing anyone in. But on the flip side, he has not wanted to weaken the squad.

“The expectation is that no one will come in.”

Newcastle United risk could hand chance to Matt Targett

It is understandable that Eddie Howe is unhappy about Kelly’s imminent departure.

The Magpies are taking a major risk, but the hope is that it will benefit the club later this year.

Newcastle United are going to be in a very strong position to enhance their squad this summer, as the exits of Almiron and Kelly will really improve the club’s PSR position.

However, Newcastle will not feel the benefits of that PSR boost until the summer transfer window. Until then, Howe will have to cope with the players he has got.

That could present Matt Targett with an opportunity. With Kelly leaving, Targett should become Lewis Hall’s direct understudy at left-back.

The 29-year-old has also been linked with a move away from St James’ Park, but the Kelly transfer should result in Targett remaining on Tyneside.