BREAKING: Newcastle’s focus is on a third summer addition as Lloyd Kelly of Bournemouth has a medical exam.
Following Lloyd Kelly’s physical in London earlier today, the defender’s arrival is almost assured. Newcastle United will now turn their transfer attention to attempting to complete a deal for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford before the end of the month.
Kelly rejected offers from Bournemouth for a new contract, and earlier this week, he agreed to personal terms with the Magpies.
The transfer window officially reopens on Friday. Lewis Hall’s temporary move from Chelsea has already been converted into a permanent agreement. The defender will sign a five-year contract on Tyneside to become Newcastle’s second summer acquisition.
Newcastle’s recruiting team is thrilled to have signed Kelly as a free agent, despite being disappointed not to sign Tosin Adarabioyo, who turned down the opportunity to sign with the Magpies in favor of a move to Chelsea.
Playing at both center-half and left-back, the 25-year-old has experience working under Eddie Howe at the Vitality Stadium. With Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles expected to miss the early part of the upcoming season due to cruciate ligament injuries, the defensive options will be greatly missed.
Now that Kelly’s transfer has been confirmed, Newcastle administrators will try to come to a deal for Trafford, who is now without a doubt their top goalkeeper target.
Giorgi Mamardashvili was discussed by the Magpies and Valencia, but it soon became apparent that the Georgia international would be beyond their means. Likewise, although Aaron Ramsdale of Arsenal has long been a target, it was always going to be challenging to negotiate with the Gunners over the England team member.
Since Trafford was one of the players left out of Gareth Southgate’s final England squad for the Euros last week, Newcastle has concentrated their attention on him.
Although Newcastle’s negotiators are hesitant to pay Burnley’s current asking price of more than £20 million, there is confidence that an agreement can be achieved below that amount. The first round of talks with Burnley was judged to be fruitful.
Burnley reportedly had an agreement to sign Trafford from Manchester City for £19 million last summer. Despite their right to be eager to get their money back, Burnley is not in a strong position to negotiate given their relegation to the Championship.
It is believed that Trafford is eager to relocate to Tyneside, and should a deal be finalized, he will have the opportunity to challenge Nick Pope for a preseason starting position.
Third-choice goalie Mark Gillespie would join Pope and Trafford, rendering Martin Dubravka unnecessary. The 35-year-old, who is now getting ready to represent Slovakia in the Euros, has caught Celtic’s attention.
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