Newcastle United reach verbal agreement to sign Premier League defender
The Magpies needed reinforcements in their defense and they have addressed the issue.
Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly has agreed to a four-year contract with Newcastle United.
Kelly is set to sign the contract and go through a medical examination ahead of his move to the Magpies.
Following the announcement that the former captain of Bournemouth will be departing the Vitality Stadium at the end of his contract this month, Newcastle are now finalising a move for the defender.
Kelly's contract with Bournemouth expires on June 30th, thus he will be joining on a free transfer.
After losing out on another defensive target, Tosin Adarabioyo, who joined Chelsea on a free transfer from Fulham, Newcastle were eager to complete a deal for Kelly.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X, the defender has reached a verbal agreement with Eddie Howe's team to join them.
Romano tweeted:
"Newcastle have completed verbal agreement to sign Lloyd Kelly as free agent from Bournemouth, here we go confirmed!
"It's done and sealed with medical to follow for Kelly as Newcastle player, never been in doubt.
"Exclusive detail: contract to be valid until June 2028."
It has been imperative that Newcastle buy a centre-back this summer, given the injuries to Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman.
They appear to be poised to do just that, as Kelly is expected to join on a free transfer.
Kelly is a versatile player who can operate as a centre-back as well as a left-back and his signing would add quality and depth to the Magpies squad.
Howe's team struggled with injuries last season and that was largely the reason behind their disappointing season.
They have now addressed that issue early in the transfer window this summer and hope to complete the deal for the Premier League defender soon.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have agreed personal terms with Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford as the Magpies intend to address another important position in the transfer window.
