How Newcastle United sources have reacted to major transfer claim from France on Tuesday night

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Newcastle United fans were met on Tuesday night with claims that the Magpies were closing in on their second signing of the summer.

The first will be Lewis Hall, with his loan move from Chelsea set to become permanent for £28million. That deal suddenly does not look as dubious, with the 19-year-old really starting to impress in black and white.

With that transfer set to be completed, Newcastle United have been working hard behind the scenes on signing number two. Eddie Howe’s side are in the market for a centre-back, and have a couple of Premier League talents on their radar who are set to become free agents.

Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo are being heavily linked with moves to St James’ Park from Bournemouth and Fulham respectively, and a report from France on Tuesday suggested that major progress had been made regarding a deal for the former.

What was reported about Newcastle United and Lloyd Kelly on Tuesday

Geordie Boot Boys have previously been told that Newcastle United are the favourites to sign Kelly, and a report from France stated that the club will be doing exactly that.

According to Foot Mercato, the Magpies have agreed a deal with Kelly to bring the 25-year-old to St James’ Park when his Bournemouth contract expires.

It was an incredibly exciting claim, as is always the case when it comes to stories about new signings.

However, something did not add up. It seemed strange that an outlet in France would have the scoop on Newcastle United signing an English player from Bournemouth.

How Newcastle have reacted to Lloyd Kelly claim

Less than 24 hours later, the exciting claim has been disputed closer to home.

According to the Telegraph, their Newcastle sources have played down suggestions that the club have reached an agreement with Lloyd Kelly to sign for the Magpies.

The report adds that while Kelly is a target for Newcastle United, there is actually another free agent who is more appealing to them.

Who Newcastle want more – Kelly or Tosin Adarabioyo

The Telegraph state that Newcastle actually view Tosin Adarabioyo as the more appealing signing compared to Kelly. That is because he is a right-sided centre-back, whereas Kelly operates on the left.

While Kelly’s versatility – he can also play at left-back – makes him a great option, it is actually a right-sided centre-back that Newcastle need more.

Jamaal Lascelles is out with an ACL injury, while Fabian Schar is 32-years-old. He turns 33 at the end of this year, and Newcastle will be looking for his long-term replacement – someone who can form a partnership with Sven Botman in the future.

Tosin could do just that, and that is why Newcastle would seemingly rather sign him than Kelly. But in an ideal world, we can and will do deals for both.