Newcastle United's fresh transfer stance revealed as Paul Mitchell agrees £20m wonderdeal

Signed last June on a free transfer, the 26-year-old made just four Premier League starts for the Magpies. Kelly has not featured on the team sheet since the 2-0 home defeat to West Ham United in November.

Eddie Howe signed the versatile defender at Bournemouth six years ago and was keen to reunite once his contract expired. Lewis Hall and Dan Burn, however, have made first-team opportunities difficult at left-back and centre-back.

Sven Botman’s injury return also pushed Kelly further down the pecking order at St James' Park. Reports earlier this month suggested the former Cherries man could join Fenerbahce, with club chief Acun Ilicali going public about the deal.

NewcastleWorld: Essential is our weekly newsletter, delivering the city’s best bits to you inbox - sign up here

Howe was quick to downplay those rumours - insisting all the noise had come from Fenerbahce’s end. Kelly played the final few minutes of the 3-1 defeat to Fulham yesterday but will now jet to Turin to undergo a medical.

NewcastleWorld understands an initial loan deal will become permanent at the end of the season. Juve have moved quickly to get the transfer completed before the February 3 deadline.

As it stands, the Magpies are not looking to enter the market, with long-term thinking prioritised. There remains a willingness not to make any knee-jerk reactions despite recent setbacks against Bournemouth and Fulham.

Howe’s squad is light - especially in attacking areas - but Toon chiefs are wary of last year’s close PSR call. Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes are set to return in the coming weeks to bolster Newcastle’s offensive options.