FFP/PSR transfer boost as 10-capped international favours Newcastle United over Liverpool

Lloyd Kelly would prefer to join Newcastle United over Liverpool this summer, according to reports.

Both clubs are understood to be chasing the Bournemouth defender, whose contract expires at the end of the season. Eddie Howe was the manager who took Kelly to the south coast in a £13million deal five years ago.

A reunion could be on the cards, with the 25-year-old exploring his options following an injury-ravaged campaign. Muscle strains have limited Kelly’s impact this season and he missed the Cherries’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend through illness.

While hardly the flash name many Toon fans are hoping for this summer, Kelly, a former England under-21 international, is versatile, capable of playing left-back or centre-back. He would provide adequate cover and, as a free transfer, also helps align with FFP/PSR restrictions.

However, Liverpool have been linked with hijacking any Newcastle approach for the defender. The Reds have appointed Bournemouth sporting director Richard Hughes to lead the post-Jurgen Klopp rebuild at Anfield.

Reports have suggested Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are in advanced discussion for the defender but they remain wide of the mark. CaughtOffside claim Kelly views Newcastle as a better option due to contract length and opportunities for first-team football.

As it stands, the Magpies lack depth in both positions he can play, with Dan Burn the only fit centre-back. Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are sidelined, with Lewis Hall the only natural option at left-back. Signing Kelly would be considered a "ground-floor-raising" arrival and allow Paul Dummett to move on.