Liverpool are interested in completing the signing of Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly, but Tottenham are also believed to be in the running.
The Reds’ recent focus has been on revamping their midfield, with Jurgen Klopp making it clear that big changes were needed at the end of last season.
Fabinho and Jordan Henderson were among those who were moved on, with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch coming in.
Now, Liverpool’s primary focus could be on adding a new defensive option – someone who can play across a number of positions and act as a long-term signing.
According to Football Insider, that man could be Kelly, as the Reds continue to battle Spurs for the Englishman’s signature:
“Liverpool have joined Tottenham in the race for Bournemouth star Lloyd Kelly ahead of the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider. The 25-year-old is out of contract on the south coast at the end of the season.
“Jurgen Klopp’s side are in the market for a versatile defender ahead of the mid-season window, and Kelly has long been on their radar.”
The report also states that Bournemouth “could now be forced to accept” an offer for Kelly in the January transfer window, acting as a further boost for Liverpool.
Our thoughts on Liverpool signing Kelly in January…
The 25-year-old represents an excellent option for Liverpool, possessing many of the attributes that Klopp could be looking for in a defensive addition.
Andy Robertson’s absence has highlighted the need for a better backup left-back to come in, with Kostas Tsimikas not consistent enough to be a reliable option these days, and the fact that he can also play at centre-back would be great for squad depth.
At 25, Kelly has experience under his belt but is also still a relatively young player, and there is no reason why he couldn’t go up a further gear working alongside someone of Klopp’s standing.
This season, he has started six of Bournemouth’s Premier League matches, averaging 2.4 clearances and 1.3 tackles in that time, and with the Cherries potentially having to sell, it could even be that he arrives at Anfield on the cheap.
