Exclusive: £25m Newcastle player now frustrated with life under Eddie Howe, wants to leave this month
Today at 01:15 PM
TBR Football understand Lloyd Kelly has grown frustrated under Eddie Howe – and is now ready to leave Newcastle.
The 26-year-old has only made four Premier League starts this season following his arrival from Bournemouth on a free transfer back in June, with Dan Burn, Fabian Schar and Sven Botman ahead of him in the pecking order.
TBR Football understand Jose Mourinho has made a bid for Kelly as the Portuguese tactician aims to bring the Newcastle No.25 to Fenerbahce – although the Magpies have no intention of selling.
Now – however – sources have provided TBR Football with an update on the Lloyd Kelly situation.
Lloyd Kelly wants to leave Newcastle
Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent at TBR Football – has now been informed that the man born in Bristol is ready to leave St James’ Park this month.
We understand Juventus have made an approach to sign Kelly – which Newcastle have rejected – although the central defender himself is open to the move.
TBR Football understand Juventus also looked at Axel Disasi as the Italian giants target two new central defenders this month – but have now decided to pursue Kelly and Fikayo Tomori, having given up on deals for David Hancko and Milan Skriniar as well as the France international.
While Newcastle would prefer to keep the summer arrival from Bournemouth on Tyneside, sources have informed TBR Football that intermediaries believe a deal is possible, with the Magpies understood to be open to bids no less than £25m.
That would – of course – represent a major boost for Newcastle in terms of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) if a sale for that amount materialised, after Kelly arrived for free in June.
What Eddie Howe said about Lloyd Kelly
Ahead of Newcastle’s 4-1 defeat against Bournemouth on Saturday, Howe addressed the rumours involving Kelly and Fenerbahce.
The 47-year-old said: “Lloyd has not talked to me about leaving the football club. I think he’s only just joined and I think there’s an understanding from his perspective that he’s got to earn the right to play and prove that he deserves to play ahead of other players.
“So, there’s been absolutely no issue. He’s been great to work with and I knew he would be. He’s waiting for his opportunities, so there’s no issue with Lloyd at all.
“Whatever rumours you’re hearing are likely from Fenerbahce and not from the player – so I want to make that very clear and Lloyd’s an important part of what we’re doing.”