Newcastle United targeting West Ham-linked Lloyd Kelly

Newcastle United ready 'big push' to beat West Ham United in Lloyd Kelly transfer race

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Published on:

24 Mar 2024, 2:10 am

Newcastle United are readying a "big push" for Bournemouth star Lloyd Kelly as West Ham join the transfer race ahead of the summer transfer window, according to the Sunday Mirror.

The newspaper reported [24 March, page 67] that the Magpies are keen to find a replacement for Sven Botman, who faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but there is plenty of interest in the 25-year-old.

It is understood that, as well as the Hammers, AC Milan, Juventus, VfB Stuttgart, Tottenham Hotspur and Monaco are all keeping tabs on the young defender.

Are West Ham United set to miss out on Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly?

Though the link with former Cherries boss Eddie Howe would suggest that Newcastle have the upper hand in the transfer race for Kelly, West Ham must do everything in their power to steal the signing.

Club captain Kurt Zouma has been at the centre of attention this season, having been blasted for several of his performances, which has only added pressure on David Moyes' shoulders at the London Stadium.

With 35-year-old Angelo Ogbonna still deputising as a substitute, and Nayef Aguerd being continuously linked with a move away from the club, Kelly could be the perfect transfer this summer.

Set to leave the Vitality Stadium on a free transfer once the season finishes, the Hammers have every chance of persuading the centre-back to switch to London life and provide some much-needed cover in defence.

Though there is a lot of negativity surrounding the club currently, with the possibility of Moyes' sacking mooted and a tough set of results since the turn of the year, the opportunity to play Europa League football could be tough to turn down.

Kelly would almost be promised consistent first-team minutes, and the club could potentially be competing for the Champions League next season, battling to lift the Europa League title.

In other West Ham news, one Hammers player is on trial at another London club.

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