Transfer Rumors: Liverpool Crowds Newcastle In Race For Bournemouth Defender

Most know that Newcastle United will make the most out of the January transfer window as they revamp their lineup with key players.

The latest name to be linked to the Magpies is Lloyd Kelly of AFC Bournemouth.

The interest in the 23-year-old defender is understandable. Kelly has successfully weathered a spell where he had to sit out for some time due to a knee problem.

It appears he has gotten over the hump and has been performing well this season for the Cherries.

A move to St. James Park would make sense, especially if Kelly wants to maintain his ascent in the English Premier League.

But given that his outstanding play is also capturing the attention of other teams, it comes as no surprise that Liverpool has now also entered the mix.

According to The Mail, the Magpies are not the only ones who have the English defender on their radar.

The Reds are also considering Kelly, a move that would help bolster their defensive depth.

However, joining Liverpool comes with consequences. Kelly could end up fighting for playing time, a scenario where he would be back-up to the back-up.

Nat Phillips, already the fifth choice at San Siro, clearly shows that the Reds are already oozing with talent.

But with Phillips and Joe Gomez holding uncertain futures in Liverpool, it is possible that the 23-year-old could be an option to make sure that Jurgen Klopp still has all bases covered.

The case is different for Newcastle. The Magpies are bent on revamping their roster with Kelly getting better chances of fitting in.

But to get him to St. James Park, Newcastle would need to settle a fee that is unlikely to be anything less than £20 million ($26.4 million).

One thing that may also boost Newcastle’s bid is Eddie Howe. It was the 44-year-old who got Kelly to join the Cherries in 2019 when he was still at the helm from Bristol City, SI.com reported.

A reunion would make sense and appear easier to transition to for Kelly. He is among the list of prospects of Howe that he presented to Newcastle United ahead of the anticipated spending splurge in the January transfer window.