‘Forced to cash in’ – Tottenham stunned as Liverpool ramp up clever January transfer
Liverpool have risen to the position of favourites for the signing of Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly, though Tottenham and Newcastle won’t go down quietly, per a report.
Kelly, 24, was the subject of rampant transfer speculation during the final days of the English summer transfer window. Indeed, the Athletic reported Spurs bid £20m for the versatile left-footer who can play at centre-back or left-back.
Football London revealed the reason why Tottenham’s move failed, claiming Bournemouth grew increasingly reluctant to sell such an important player so late in the window.
However, interest in Kelly has not subsided since the summer window closed. On the contrary, Tottenham continue to monitor Kelly, while Football Insider claimed Newcastle too have entered the frame.
However, according to a fresh update from FI, it’s Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool who could trump all once the January window opens its doors. What’s more, the outlet explain why Bournemouth are likely to cash in mid-season.
Kelly has entered the final year of his contract that expires on June 30 in 2024.
As such, and if a new deal isn’t signed, Kelly will be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs come January 1.
Losing such an influential player and highly saleable asset for nothing would be nothing short of disastrous for the Cherries.
Accordingly, FI suggest a January sale within the Premier League might be on the cards, stating Bournemouth ‘could be forced to cash in’ while they still can.
Newcastle and Tottenham remain firmly in the mix in the event Bournemouth do give the greenlight to a sale.
However, FI indicate it’s actually Liverpool who could be the ones to sign the 24-year-old.
Kelly lined up as Matip replacement?
Indeed, the online outlet claim it’s the Reds who currently lead the race for a player who could move for a ‘bargain fee’ thanks to his contract status.
Liverpool are reportedly ‘looking at a January deal’ and the arrival of Kelly would fill a glaring void in Klopp’s defence.
All four of Liverpool’s frontline centre-halves at present (Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez) are right-footed.
Kelly would therefore give Klopp a specialised left-footed option and lighten the load on Van Dijk who generally gets the nod at left centre-back.
The fact Kelly can also provide more solid defensive cover at left-back when compared to the attack-minded Kostas Tsimikas is another bonus.
In the event Kelly were brought to Anfield he could be viewed as the natural replacement for Matip.
The 32-year-old will become a free agent next summer and his sub-par performances since the start of last season suggest he may not be deserving of a contract extension.
READ MORE: Liverpool finalise two-man shortlist of Mo Salah replacements, with Prem and La Liga wingers eyed
