According to transfer analyst Dean Jones, Liverpool might join Tottenham Hotspur in the race to capture Bournemouth star Lloyd Kelly in the January window.
Spurs signed Micky van de Ven in the recently finished summer window to solve their defensive difficulties after battling with them previous season.
They were, however, reportedly hoping to recruit another center-back before the deadline. Kelly was mentioned as a significant target, and the North London club even made an official £20 million bid to sign him. However, Bournemouth turned down that offer and were able to maintain their top player.
Tottenham could rekindle their interest in Kelly after failing to sign him this summer, since they are apparently aiming to sign a new defender in January.
However, according to Jones of GiveMeSport, Liverpool are also looking to bolster their defense and could make a move for Kelly in the winter. Spurs will face stiff competition from the Merseyside club in completing any prospective deal for the Englishman.
Jones said when asked if Liverpool could attempt to sign Kelly in January:
“Yeah, I mean, there’s a chance Liverpool will join the race on that one.” It’s a strange situation in that it kind of fizzled out at the conclusion of the transfer window, with Tottenham obviously being the hottest link to him at the time.
“However, given what Liverpool may require in the January transfer window as they begin to restructure their squad, it would not be surprising if they were mentioned again in the Lloyd Kelly conversation.”
Liverpool struggled with their leaky defense last season, and it was speculated that they could attempt to bolster their defense this summer. Surprisingly, they primarily focused on upgrading the engine room and did not sign anyone to bolster the defense.
However, it appears that they may decide to make a January move for a new center-back, as Jurgen Klopp’s team is interested in Kelly.
The Bournemouth midfielder has entered the final year of his current deal and is yet to sign an extension, according to Transfermarkt. If he does not sign a new contract in the coming months, Liverpool or Tottenham might sign him in January on a cheap deal.
The 24-year-old has shown glimpses of his brilliance in the Premier League recently, and if Spurs or Liverpool sign him, he may be a strong purchase.
However, it will be intriguing to watch whether the Reds or the Lilywhites decide to formalise their interest in signing him during the upcoming transfer window.