Newcastle 'really interested' to sign yet another Howe favourite

Newcastle United are ‘really interested’ in signing Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Magpies have reportedly been tracking the 23-year-old for several months ahead of a potential move and could revive their interest when the market reopens for business.

According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe identified Kelly as a potential target ahead of January after the pair worked together at Bournemouth throughout 2019/20.

Howe signed the centre-back for the Cherries in a £13 million deal, but he only made nine appearances as they suffered relegation from the Premier League.

Since then, though, Kelly has elevated his game to new heights, becoming a mainstay in a Bournemouth side that reached the Championship play-offs last term and is currently sitting in second place.

However, Football Insider now claim that Newcastle are ‘laying the groundwork’ to sign the 6 foot 2 gem off the back of his outstanding displays on the south coast.

The St. James’ Park outfit brought in Dan Burn from Brighton in the winter, yet they are still expected to strengthen the heart of their defence after becoming the richest football club in the world.

Comfortable at left-back as well as in the middle, Kelly could provide cover and competition in a number of positions for Newcastle.

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And Jones believes that Howe remains keen to be reunited with the former England Under-21 international in the North East.

In an exclusive interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “I still think that Lloyd Kelly is somebody that they’re really interested in getting.”

Kelly has started 30 of Bournemouth’s 36