Newcastle United set to beat Spurs to major Premier League transfer coup

Newcastle United look poised to beat Tottenham Hotspur to the free transfer of Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly this summer. Spurs were believed to have fielded a £20 million bid for the player last summer but will now look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements.

The Magpies have endured a season hampered by injuries to stars and in recent weeks Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles have both picked up anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) issues that will keep them out for the rest of the season and potentially beyond.

HITC reports that Kelly has emerged as a key target for Newcastle United having turned down Bournemouth's latest offer of a new deal, which would have made him one of the club's top earners. The outlet claims that the Tyneside clubs are 'seen as the favourites' to land a deal with Kelly this summer.

While at Bournemouth, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe heaped praise on Kelly as an 'outstanding player' with 'great potential'. A move to St James' Park would reunite the duo, with Howe having signed Kelly while at Bournemouth in 2019.

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The former Bristol City man has also been linked with Liverpool, AC Milan and Juventus, alongside Spurs. The Lilywhites were said to be monitoring the player in January too after the failed summer bid.

Kelly has made 18 Premier League appearances for the Cherries this season, having endured a couple of injury lay-offs, but is now fit again having started the side's last three league outings.

Should Kelly agree terms with Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur could up their interest in bringing Tosin Adarabioyo to North London, with the impressive Fulham centre-back also out of contract come the end of the campaign and stalling on a new deal. However, there is great interest in the Cottagers' man, with the 26-year-old said to be a priority for Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Manchester United.