Newcastle United to sign a 'top, top player' who Eddie Howe loves after time together

Newcastle United are on the verge of their first summer signing - and it is one Eddie Howe knows extremely well.

The Magpies have agreed a deal for departing Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly, who Howe signed for the Cherries back in 2019. The centre-back will arrive on Tyneside when his deal on the south coast expires at the end of the month.

The Newcastle boss has often sought to sign players he previously worked with, with the likes of Dominic Solanke, Nathan Ake, Aaron Ramsdale and Arnaut Danjuma all linked with moves to St James' Park in recent years. It looks as though Howe has now finally secured a top talent he previously managed at the Vitality Stadium.

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Some supporters will be scratching their heads over the fanfare surrounding Kelly's imminent arrival but a free transfer given today's financial landscape is a huge boost to Newcastle's summer plans. The centre-back can also be deployed at left-back, is extremely athletic and has been chased by some top suitors in recent seasons. Howe, quizzed on the former Bristol City star one year after poaching him for Bournemouth, explained in great detail just how highly he rates Kelly.

“With Lloyd, I truly believe he’s got everything he needs to be a top, top player. His career is out in front of him. If he can stay free from injury, then he can achieve so many great things," Howe said in 2020.

“I think one of the great things about Lloyd when I first met him – I was blown away by how mature he was. How much mental capacity he had to want to improve and learn and to become the very best player that he can be. Mentally he was very, very good anyway. I think from this spell on the sidelines he’s probably learned a lot about himself and his ability to deal with setbacks.

“He’s had a lot of time on his own to think about where he wants to go with his career. We hope we benefit from that in the future. He’s certainly someone who I think could have leadership capabilities as he grows through his career.”

Newcastle missed out on fellow free agent Tosin Adarabioyo with Howe initially keen to land both he and Kelly in a double coup before the summer window opened. With Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles both sidelined with long-term knee problems, it is not out of the question that Howe seeks to land another central defensive option, as well as Kelly, in the coming weeks.