Liverpool is ready to try Tottenham’s attempts to sign the Bournemouth defender, Lloyd Kelly, in the winter transfer window, according to 90min.
Nieuwsportaal Online claims that Tottenham Kelly watched the summer, when Ange Postecoglou revised defensive options. Tottenham have signed Davinson Sanchez from Galatasaray and are ready to sell Eric Dier if the right offer comes along.
Spurs signed Pedro Poro, Mickey van de Ven and highly-rated prospect Ashley Phillips in the summer, but Postecoglo wants to add at least one more player to his squad and sees Kelly as the perfect fit. Tottenham have reportedly rejected a £20million bid for the six-foot star, which Bournemouth rejected on deadline day.
The Cherries demanded a large transfer fee for the highly-rated centre-back but failed to reach an agreement. Tottenham are expected to see increased interest in January, but now face stiff competition, with the 90 Minuteman saying Liverpool are ready to compete for the talented defender this winter.
Liverpool made a move to sign the left-back last summer, linked with the signings of Levi Colville from Chelsea and Mickey van de Ven, who eventually left for Tottenham. Jurgen Klopp allowed academy graduate Nat Phillips to leave the club until January to join Celtic on loan, after which he promoted Jarrell Kwanza to the starting line-up.
The 20-year-old has impressed in his first two appearances for the Merseysiders so far this season. Kwanzaa is expected to get more game time with Liverpool, featuring in four competitions including the UEFA Europa League, but Klopp appears keen to bring in another defender in January.
Kelly has been targeted and will be able to assess his options in the winter as his contract with Bournemouth expires. His current contract expires at the end of the season and 90 Minutes said he will not rush into his future at the Vitality Stadium. The 24-year-old could leave Bournemouth on a free transfer if he fails to sign a new contract with the club, so the Cherries could look to cash in in January if a new contract is not signed in the coming weeks. .
According to 90 Minutes, Tottenham and Liverpool are ready to fight for a deal, while Newcastle are also monitoring the situation. With three key Premier League players on the move, the price tag could be higher than Tottenham’s £20m bid in the summer.
Kelly has become a fan favorite at the Vitality Stadium since joining from Bristol City in 2019. The England centre-back has been plagued by injuries during his time at the club so far, but has still managed to make 119 appearances for the club.
Last season, Kelly made 24 appearances and provided two assists as Bournemouth finished 15th with 39 points and avoided relegation from the Premier League. This is just 5 points above Leicester City in 18th place.
