Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has confirmed that Lloyd Kelly looks set to leave the club amid rumours that he could be signing for Newcastle United in the summer.
With Kelly’s contract on the south coast expiring in a few weeks, he will be available to sign for another club on a free transfer; which appeals to Newcastle given our injuries at the back and ongoing battle with FFP.
After their final game of the season – a 2-1 defeat away to Chelsea – Iraola thanked Kelly for his services and was full of praise for the versatile defender.
Asked if Kelly’s applause to the fans at full-time was a farewell, he told the Daily Echo: “It looked like this. I think he has to be the one giving the reasoning. But I think right now, with the season ending, I see it very difficult (he stays).
“I think probably he will play somewhere else. The only thing I can play is I thank him for everything, because he has given everything until the last minute. Today, even in the last minutes, he tried to help us. Performance-wise, his season has been very good.
“Probably he hasn’t played the games that he wanted because of the injuries, but I will repeat it again, he is one of our best players.”
Elsewhere, fellow Toon target Tosin Adarabioyo was missing from Fulham’s squad once again on Sunday, playing no part in their final day win at Luton Town. He is another one to watch as he prepares to leave on a free, with reports suggesting we are the favourites to land the 26-year-old.
As for Kelly, his Premier League experience and ability to play either as a central defender or left-back is ideal for Newcastle. If he can stay fit, it sounds like he’d be a shrewd addition fo Eddie Howe; who brought him to Bournemouth back in 2019.
Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/05/20/manager-confirms-newcastle-target-is-set-for-exit-as-toon-eye-two-early-deals/
Author : Andrew Reynolds
Publish date : 2024-05-20 12:39:47
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