Liverpool have become favorites to sign Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly, although Tottenham and Newcastle will not go down quietly, according to a report.
Kelly, 24, has been the subject of intense transfer speculation in the final days of the English summer transfer window.
In fact, Spurs have reportedly offered £20million for the versatile left-footed player who can play as both a centre-back and left-back.
However, interest in Kelly has not diminished since the summer window closed. On the contrary, Tottenham continue to monitor Kelly, while Football Insider claims that Newcastle have also entered the game.
However, according to a new update from FI, it is Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool who could trump everyone once the January window opens.
Plus, the outlet explains why Bournemouth are likely to concede mid-season.
Kelly has entered the final year of his contract, which expires June 30, 2024.
So, if a new contract is not signed, Kelly will be free to negotiate a pre-contract with foreign clubs from January 1.
Losing such an influential player and highly marketable asset for nothing would be nothing short of catastrophic for the Cherries.
As a result, FI believe a Premier League sellout could be on the cards in January, saying Bournemouth “may be forced to cash in” while they are still in a position to do so.
Newcastle and Tottenham remain firmly in the mix if Bournemouth do indeed give the green light to sell.
However, FI suggest that Liverpool could be the ones to sign the 24-year-old.
Has Kelly positioned herself to replace Matip?
In fact, the online portal claims that the Reds are currently leading the race for a player who could move at a “bargain price” thanks to his contract status.
Liverpool are said to be “looking for a deal in January” and Kelly’s arrival would fill a glaring hole in Klopp’s defence.
All four of Liverpool’s current midfielders (Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez) are right-handed.
Kelly would therefore give Klopp a dedicated left-footed option and ease the burden on Van Dijk, who is usually deployed as a left centre-back.
Another positive is the fact that Kelly can also provide more solid defense as a left-back compared to the attack-minded Kostas Tsimikas.
Should Kelly be brought to Anfield, he could be seen as a natural replacement for Matip.
The 32-year-old will become a free agent next summer and his underperformance since the start of last season suggests he may not deserve a contract extension.
