Newcastle United have already started their preparations for the summer by targeting one player whose contract is set to expire in the next few months.
Newcastle are keen on adding a new defender to their ranks and have been tracking Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly since January.
A report from The Mail’s Craig Hope now claims that the Magpies are already in talks with the centre-back as they hope to sign him on a free transfer in the summer transfer window.
Newcastle hoping to secure bargain summer deal
It’s not quite clear yet how much Newcastle are going to have to spend after a January window that saw them bring in just one youth player, but they will certainly not have a bottomless pit of money.
There are several positions that Eddie Howe would like to bring in to improve the squad, but it’s unlikely that they are all going to be big money signings given the financial restrictions that are frustrating so many Premier League clubs.
That’s exactly why they could make a move for Kelly who wouldn’t cost them a penny in transfer fees and would give them some added depth at the back where they could be very weak next season.
Not only is he a solid defender who has proven himself at the highest level in England, but he also would free up funds to spend elsewhere in areas of the squad that are desperate for reinforcements.
Newcastle need more depth at the back
It’s not necessarily been a huge issue for them this season, but Newcastle were at times one injury away from having a big problem on their hands with Sven Botman missing for a few months in the middle of the season.
This meant that captain Jamaal Lascelles had to step up and play in key clashes like the Champions League tie against PSG which he played very well in, but it’s not something Howe will want to make a regular occurrence.
Newcastle had been one slight knock away from having to start Paul Dummett at the back, a player who looks set to leave for free in the summer, and they really need to find another option for next season.
Kelly is ideal given is experience, fee and the relationship he already has with Howe who believes he is an ‘outstanding‘ player, but he himself has to want them move.
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