How Lloyd Kelly actually feels about leaving Newcastle United this month
James Rutherford
3 – 4 minutes
Lloyd Kelly continues to be linked with a shock move away from Newcastle United during the January transfer window.
The 26-year-old only joined Newcastle United in the summer, arriving on a free transfer from Bournemouth.
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However, it was reported last week that Fenerbahce had bid for Kelly, but that approach was rebuffed.
Now Juventus are trying to sign Kelly, as clubs queue up to try and land a player who has barely featured for Eddie Howe’s side as of late.
Howe wants to keep Kelly, which is no great surprise. However, the defender has a different point of view.
Lloyd Kelly of Newcastle United FC (25) arrives for the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Newcastle United and Bromley at St James’ Park on…
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Lloyd Kelly ‘open’ to Newcastle United exit
That is according to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, who has told Geordie Boot Boys that Lloyd Kelly is open to a Newcastle United exit amid frustration over his lack of gametime.
“My understanding is that Lloyd Kelly is open to leaving Newcastle United this month,” he said.
“He’s not particularly happy with his minutes.
“It might be intermediaries at work here, but we know that two teams have bid for Lloyd Kelly in the last week. That is happening for a reason. It is not a coincidence. There is someone pushing. They believe Lloyd Kelly could leave.
“He’s not happy – he thought he was going to get more gametime. He knows about the interest in him.
“Eddie Howe does not want to sell him. He does not want to weaken the team. It is a similar situation to the Martin Dubravka one. Howe is desperate for his squad not to be weaker by the end of this window.”
Newcastle selling Lloyd Kelly is a risk
It is understandable why Howe wants to keep Kelly. It is also understandable why Kelly would be open to a move away. After all, he has barely featured since his move to St James’ Park in the summer.
Since joining the club, Kelly has made 13 appearances in total. Seven of those have been starts, while Kelly has been available for every Newcastle United game this season.
Opportunities have been limited, but moving him on in January would be a massive risk.
Kelly is a great squad player, as he covers two positions. He is Lewis Hall’s understudy at left-back, while he also covers left-sided centre-back.
Newcastle do have other options in those positions, but they are not necessarily reliable. Matt Targett has had plenty of injury issues over the past few years, while Sven Botman has only just recovered from ACL surgery.
In that respect, it would be wise of the Magpies to retain Kelly. However, that stance may have to change if a good offer comes in, as Newcastle United are in a position where they need to increase their revenue through player sales.
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