Newcastle transfer talks progressing fast with two defenders soon to be available as free agents
The Magpies are expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer.
Newcastle United are making good progress in their attempts to sign two Premier League defenders on free transfers this summer.
Magpies boss Eddie Howe is keen to bolster his backline after seeing his side let in 57 goals in 36 league matches this season - having conceded just 33 in 38 games in the previous campaign.
Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly and Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo are both strong candidates to move to St James’ Park.
Indeed, Fabrizio Romano reported via X.com on Sunday evening: “Newcastle want to sign both Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo as free agents… plan progressing very well and fast.
“Kelly, priority target as #NUFC are optimistic to make it happen very early in the summer.
“Talks also progressing with Adarabioyo as he’s set to leave Fulham.”
Kelly has been a Bournemouth player since 2019 when he arrived from Bristol City.
The 25-year-old former England U21 international has made 128 appearances for the Cherries, including 53 in the Premier League.
Adarabioyo, 26, joined Fulham from Manchester City for a £2 million transfer fee in 2020.
He has since played in 132 games for the Cottagers, including 78 in England’s top division.
Kelly is a versatile defender who can operate comfortably at centre-back or left-back.
Adarabioyo is primarily a central defender but has also occasionally been deployed on the right side of a back four.
Newcastle are expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer, both in terms of incomings and outgoings.
However, Howe insisted earlier this week that he does not want to sell Alexander Isak or Bruno Guimaraes.
As quoted in the Daily Briefing on Saturday, Howe said: “I'm planning for them to be here. All my planning is with them in the squad.
“We don't want to sell our best players. It’s key for us, it will knock us back some considerable distance because we would have to start again.”