In an attempt to replace Sven Botman at Newcastle United this summer, Eddie Howe may look to a man he knows well.
The 24-year-old center back’s anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained during the FA Cup loss to Manchester City may sideline him for months, according to medical reports.
This could mean that Sven Botman misses six to nine months of action, which would be a major setback for Newcastle given the insane number of injuries the team has sustained this season.
Although the injury has made Newcastle realize how much they need to sign a center-back this summer, he has vowed to return a stronger player.
The current favorites to sign Lloyd Kelly are Newcastle United.
And according to TalkSPORT, they now appear ready to intensify their interest in Lloyd Kelly.
According to the report, Lloyd Kelly’s contract at Bournemouth is set to expire this summer, and Newcastle United is currently the front-runner to recruit him. He will be offered for free, which is quite alluring to a club that is currently having trouble making ends meet and maintaining its viability.
The 25-year-old, who is being pursued by Tottenham Hotspur and three Italian teams, is not expressing a willingness to sign a new deal at the Vitality Stadium, according to TalkSPORT.
Eddie Howe and Lloyd Kelly have previously collaborated.
However, they think the Magpies are the favorites, and Toon officials do have a secret weapon.
Eddie Howe is reportedly a huge fan of Kelly and the two have collaborated in the past, according to TalkSPORT.
Kelly arrived at Bournemouth thanks to the management of Howe, and in the summer of 2019, the Cherries paid Bristol City £13 million to acquire him.
At St. James’ Park, they might cross paths again after four years. Kelly allegedly expressed interest in relocating to Tyneside.
Doubts about Kelly’s suitability for Newcastle
For Newcastle, acquiring Kelly on a free transfer would be a wise move. He is a gifted defender who won 1-0 over Liverpool the previous season and earned the nickname “incredible” for his play.
However, there are questions about his caliber because Newcastle clearly wants players who can return the team to the Champions League.
Although HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey has doubts about Kelly’s ability to lead Newcastle to the next level, PIF has high expectations for St. James’ Park.
“They like Lloyd Kelly, and he’s available on a free in the summer,” he stated.
Does Kelly represent an improvement over Schar and Lascelles once Botman returns? Yes, perhaps, but perhaps not to the degree that enthusiasts would like. If you’re going to bring in another Botman-type guy, then you want to make sure everything is in order before you spend any money.
“Kelly is competent, but is he among the top four starters? I doubt that he is.
