Newcastle United have emerged as the frontrunners to sign defender Lloyd Kelly this summer, with Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest also interested in the player.
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has spoken to contacts within the game and believes Newcastle currently hold the strongest hand in pursuit of the deal.
Wyness told Football Insider that the existing relationship between manager Eddie Howe and Kelly is the decisive factor likely to swing the transfer in Newcastle’s favour.
“I see Kelly going to Newcastle as being the most likely. Eddie Howe had him at Bournemouth for a period of time, and there is a relationship there,” Wyness said.
“He’s also a better fit for the Newcastle squad,” Wyness added, pointing to the playing time Kelly could expect at St James’ Park compared to elsewhere.
“I think he’ll get more minutes, and he’s a nice-to-have for Villa rather than a must-have, whereas for Newcastle he’s a must-have,” Wyness continued.
“I think the Howe connection will end up being the key thing. He’s at the right sort of price for Newcastle as well,” Wyness explained, reinforcing his belief in the Magpies winning the race.
“I did make a couple of calls about Kelly, and I think Newcastle is where the deal is at the moment,” Wyness concluded, providing a firm indicator of where the 27-year-old is headed.
Kelly joined Juventus from Newcastle in 2025 on an initial loan basis before the move was made permanent last summer for £15 million plus add-ons.
The defender made just 14 appearances under Howe during his time at St James’ Park, yet the pair built a strong working relationship that could now prove crucial.
Reports suggest Juventus would seriously consider offers in the region of £30 million for Kelly this summer, a figure that Newcastle appear willing to meet.
Newcastle’s pursuit of defensive reinforcements comes at a busy time for the club, with their summer transfer plans already having suffered a setback after missing out on Spain sensation Victor Munoz.
Liverpool moved decisively to hijack that particular deal, with Munoz electing to continue his career at Anfield rather than joining the Magpies.
Howe and Newcastle’s recruitment team have been forced to explore alternative targets across multiple positions as they prepare their squad for the new campaign.
Goalkeeper James Trafford remains linked with a move to Tyneside despite the club already completing the signing of Ewen Jaouen earlier in the transfer window.
Kelly’s potential return to Newcastle would represent a notable piece of business, given the Magpies’ need for experienced and reliable defensive cover heading into the season.