In a recent report, The Daily Mail‘s Craig Hope mentioned that Newcastle United are in talks to land Bournemouth ace Lloyd Kelly. It has been stated that the Magpies are eyeing a move to secure the services of the English centre-back in the summer.
Kelly’s Impressive Form In Premier League Football
Kelly is enjoying a good run of form at Bournemouth this season after producing a handful of solid displays at the centre of their backline. The English defensive ace has made 16 appearances for the Cherries during this campaign, netting one goal across all fronts.
The 25-year-old has been a decent contributor when defending inside his half based on his average of 1.4 tackles, 0.5 interceptions and 2.3 clearances per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has even been accurate when distributing the ball from the back as he has made 76.6% of his attempted passes in the top tier of English football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Vitality Stadium will run out at the end of this campaign which could open the door for Newcastle to sign him on a free transfer in the summer.
What Will Kelly Add To Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe’s Team?
Kelly is a good tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to make some timely interceptions for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind clearing the danger when needed and can play his way out from the back. Kelly is primarily a centre-back but can also function as a left-back if asked to do so.
Standing at 1.90m, the English sensation can win his fair share of 50-50 duels in the air. Thus, he would be a good fit for Newcastle‘s needs at the moment as he would add more bite and steel to Eddie Howe’s defence.
At 25, Kelly will only get better in the coming years. Therefore, the Magpies should focus on getting a deal done for the talented defender when the transfer window reopens in the summer. He has already proven himself to be a capable defender in Premier League football and won’t take much time to settle into life at the Tyneside club if Howe can devise a way to bring him on board soon.
