Transfer update emerges on AFC Bournemouth star amid Newcastle, West Ham links | OneFootball

AFC Bournemouth have made it clear that key centre-back Lloyd Kelly is not for sale this month despite being linked with Premier League moves, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook who revealed this latest transfer update to Give Me Sport.

The 23-year-old has shone once again in the Championship for the Cherries this term, establishing himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet alongside Gary Cahill and keeping an excellent defensive record during the early stages of the campaign.

The most impressive statistic of all is the fact they conceded just one goal in their opening eight away matches in the league this term – and although their solidity has dropped off more recently – the former England youth international has remained an integral part of Scott Parker’s side.

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Brett Pitman

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Kelly has already claimed the captain’s armband on numerous occasions this term in the absence of Steve Cook, and with the latter making a permanent move to Nottingham Forest earlier this month, the former is likely to receive plenty more opportunities to become the Cherries’ main leader.

His performances have attracted the likes of Newcastle United and West Ham to his signature, with the Magpies having money to burn and the centre-back’s former boss Eddie Howe at the helm on Tyneside.

This opportunity to link up with his ex-manager at St James’ Park may be a tempting one as they look to remain afloat in the top flight – but a move away from the Vitality Stadium is unlikely to happen.

This is according to talkSPORT’s Crook, who said to Give Me Sport: “When it comes to Lloyd Kelly, Bournemouth have made it clear to me that they’re not going to entertain bids.”

The Verdict:

It would be madness for Bournemouth to accept a bid for the centre-back now with Cook also leaving the club his month, so the south-coast club are taking the right stance on this potential deal with a promotion spot at stake.

His contribution alone could end up being the difference between an automatic promotion spot and a place in the play-offs, so it cannot be understated how important he is to Parker’s men in their quest to get back to the Premier League at the second time of asking.

For the likes of Newcastle and West Ham though, he would be a good signing for the long term and at 23, he’s only likely to get better so he looks destined to play in the top flight for many years to come, with or without his current side.

Nonetheless, it would be a risk for the Magpies to make this mid-season move with Kelly needing to adapt from the second tier to the Premier League quickly if that deal went through this month.

A failure to do so would continue to leave Howe’s men in real danger as they look to force their way out of their relegation battle, so they may go for a player who is already playing in a top-tier team around Europe.