Liverpool's recent appointment could spell bad news for Newcastle United's summer transfer plans

Liverpool are plotting to snatch Lloyd Kelly from under Newcastle United’s noses, according to reports.

The Magpies were linked with the defender, signed by Eddie Howe in 2019, during the January transfer window. Sven Botman was easing his way back from a knee injury that saw him miss three months of the campaign.

An inflammation of that problem against Manchester City at the weekend has resulted in the Dutchman requiring surgery. He has now been ruled out for up to nine months - heightening Newcastle’s defensive woes.

Toon chiefs will likely enter the transfer market for a centre-back this summer as Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and Dan Burn, as it stands, are the only first-team options. Bournemouth defender Kelly is out of contract in June and his arrival could create FFP/PSR headroom to spend on other positions.

The 25-year-old has suffered several injury setbacks of his own in recent times but would provide Premier League experience and versatility. Kelly can operate as a left-back, playing there in the Cherries’ 2-2 draw at St James’ Park last month.

However, the Liverpool Echo are claiming he could be heading to Anfield following Richard Hughes’ appointment as sporting director. The Reds are undergoing a major rebuild given Jurgen Klopp’s pending exit and the Bournemouth chief will begin work on June 1.

Kelly is a reported transfer target and was previously linked with a Liverpool move in 2019. Then aged 20, the centre-back joined Bournemouth to pursue first-team football under Howe. 

Hughes - who was rumoured to be on Newcastle’s radar to replace Dan Ashworth - might now hold the key to bringing Kelly to Merseyside. Tottenham Hotspur are also named as a potential destination should he leave the south coast this summer.