'100 per cent will join’ - Newcastle United edge closer to signing Liverpool, AC Milan and Tottenham target

Newcastle United remain in pole position to sign out-of-contract Bournemouth star Lloyd Kelly, according to reports.

Transfer guru Ben Jacobs claims that Newcastle are pushing hard to sign Kelly, who previously worked with Eddie Howe at Bournemouth four years ago, during his final season as manager at the Vitality Stadium. Jacobs told GiveMeSport: “With Lloyd Kelly, Newcastle have always had a quite clear indication that he’s open to the move.

“Now he’s a free agent, Newcastle are very optimistic on that one, they’re pushing quite hard and that one is likely to get done.”

Kelly has played 141 times for Bournemouth in four seasons and has been lauded for his consistency and leadership, which spearheaded the club to promotion from the Championship during the 2021/22 season - with Kelly notably earning a spot in the division’s Team of the Season.

The defender has made the majority of his 54 top-flight appearances in the two season’s following the club’s promotion and has helped the team to survival on both occasions.

The Bournemouth star is predominantly a central defender, but has proven on 12 occasions this season that he can also play at left back. This means he can provide cover for the likes of Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Lewis Hall if needed.

Kelly’s form has attracted interest from the likes of Liverpool, AC Milan and Tottenham, but it appears the 25-year-old’s close bond with Howe has given the Magpies the vital edge.

“Newcastle want Tosin (Adarabioyo) and Lloyd Kelly, I expect Lloyd Kelly to 100% be a Newcastle player in the summer transfer window.” Fabrizio Romano told the Debrief podcast.

The Italian also claimed that Newcastle remain the favourites to land another free agent in Fulham star Tosin Adarabioyo, despite interest from Chelsea. He, like Kelly, is a central defender and a member of the 2021/22 Championship Team of the Season

Newcastle are believed to be huge admirers of the centre back after a string of impressive performances for Fulham , but the Magpies are likely to face tough competition from Chelsea following the likely arrival of Leicester boss Enzo Maresca.

Marseca worked with Adarabioyo during his time with the Manchester City academy and is a huge admirer of the defender due to his excellent passing range and his strong defensive awareness.

Romano explains that the Adarabioyo is still an ongoing process but feels Newcastle are the more likely to get the deal done due to the length of time they have been working on the deal.

He added: “First of all it’s an open situation. I still see Newcastle as favourites because Newcastle started working on this deal in March. For Tosin there is still discussions ongoing but I see Newcastle as favourites. Interest from Chelsea has been there since the final week of March, Chelsea are well informed on Tosin.

“I’m not aware of anything advanced with Chelsea. I’m not sure anything is decided with Chelsea, I think the situation is still quite open with Newcastle pushing to make it happen.”