Newcastle lead race to agree Lloyd Kelly deal - 'I've made a couple of calls'

Newcastle United are currently at the front of the queue to sign Juventus centre-back Lloyd Kelly this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who has heard from his contacts that the Magpies are ahead of their competition for the 27-year-old.

Recent reports from Italy have claimed that Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are also keen on the defender, but Newcastle are now understood to be leading the charge despite their lack of European football.

Wyness has emphasised that he expects Eddie Howe's relationship with Kelly from their time together at Bournemouth could hold the key to the deal.

Kelly enjoyed a brief stint on Tyneside at the start of the 2024-25 campaign, and could now be about to move back to St James' Park after just 18 months in

He started 33 games for Juventus in Serie A last term, but was unable to help them qualify for Champions League football.

Everton’s former chief Wyness - who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs - believes that Newcastle are the club who need Kelly most right now.

The Magpies are desperately working to strengthen their squad after a disappointing campaign, and Wyness believes that Kelly would be a perfect fit for their backline.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, he made it clear that the defender is a "must-have" for Newcastle right now.

"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," he said.

"He's also a better fit for the Newcastle squad, 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.

"I think the Howe connection will end up being the key thing. He's at the right sort of price for Newcastle as well.

"I did make a couple of calls about Kelly, and I think Newcastle is where the deal is at the moment."

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Newcastle are "surprised" by the fact that Sandro Tonali is open to a move to Tottenham.

The Lilywhites have recently entered the race to sign the Italian midfielder this summer, and are "confident" that they can beat their rivals to his signature.

The North Londoners have already received positive signals from Tonali and his camp, in a move that has caught Newcastle off guard.

They have been doing everything they can to keep hold of Tonali in recent weeks, but are now at serious risk of losing him once again.