Howe can now axe “shocking” £42k-p/w dud as NUFC plot move for £9m-rated “Rolls-Royce” - opinion

Newcastle United were very active in the previous January transfer window in terms of bringing new players to the club.

They were particularly focused on strengthening their defence after bringing in the likes of Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier and Matt Targett.

With the upcoming summer transfer window in mind, it seems as though a clue has emerged over another potential defensive figure coming to St James’ Park, which could finally see one current figure in Eddie Howe’s squad getting his bags packed and moving on.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist and transfer insider Dean Jones was discussing the possibility of Newcastle making a summer move to sign Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly, who has been linked with a switch to St James’ Park in the past.

He said: “I think that it’ll be interesting to see if his head is turned by that interest, obviously, not only because of Newcastle’s ambition but because of the Eddie Howe link as well.” 

Since joining the south coast club, who were managed by Howe at the time, back in 2019 from Bristol City in a deal worth a reported £13m, the defender has gone on to make 82 appearances for the Cherries across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing five assists along the way.

Having appeared in 31 of Bournemouth’s Championship games this season and donned the captain’s armband in many of those, it’s safe to say that Kelly – who is currently valued at £9m by Transfermarkt – is an important figure for the club, who may not be too keen on selling him this summer.

From a Newcastle point of view, with Ciaran Clark having not been included in the Premier League squad after their January shopping spree and being slammed for his “shocking” performances earlier in the season, securing a