Newcastle transfer news: Lloyd Kelly deal gone as Bournemouth ploy throws Howe plan off course

Newcastle will have to look elsewhere for a new centre-back with Lloyd Kelly in line for a new Bournemouth contract, TEAMtalk understands.

Eddie Howe made adding to his defence a major priority when he became Magpies boss late last year. He therefore wasted no time in adding Matt Targett, Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier to his back line in January.

However, other targets the club did not get over the line included Lille’s Sven Botman and Diego Carlos of Sevilla.

Bournemouth star Kelly was also one of Howe’s top targets and his interest has remained until now.

However, TEAMtalk understands that Newcastle will not be signing Kelly in this summer’s transfer window.

Instead, he will sign a bumper new contract with the Cherries after helping them seal promotion back to the Premier League.

The 23-year-old will therefore frustrate Howe’s plans for Newcastle, who will have to look elsewhere for a defender.

Former Bournemouth boss Howe has strong ties to Kelly, having brought him to the south coast from Bristol City in 2019.

Kelly played a bit-part Bournemouth role in the 2019/20 season – Howe’s last in charge of the Cherries – due to injury.

However, following a strong season in the Championship last term, he has captained his club in 22 Championship games this campaign. Howe has subsequently kept a close eye on his progress.

But Kelly, whose current contract runs out in 2024, will accept new terms.

TEAMtalk has also learned that Dominic Solanke, Philip Billing and Lewis Cook will also get new Bournemouth contracts.

Lloyd Kelly set for Premier League spell

Kelly could have got Premier League football at Newcastle. Instead, he will opt to lead his side back into the Premier League.

Having proved himself in the Championship, he can therefore cement his status at Bournemouth next season.

Bournemouth have conceded 37 goals this season, the fewest of any Championship team, and Kelly has been at the heart of that run.

He will look to raise his profile even further next season by trying to prove himself in the Premier League.

Newcastle, though, must look elsewhere as they look to take their own next step having avoided relegation.