Versatile Bournemouth star Lloyd Kelly emerges as surprise target for Manchester United | OneFootball

Manchester United have conceded 84 goals this season, the most since 1960, with the club looking likely to miss out on European football altogether next season.

Erik ten Hag’s faulty tactics this season have meant a lack of cover from midfield which has not helped the defence with the goalkeeper usually having to contend with a barrage of shots every game.

It is clear to see that reinforcements are required with new co-owners INEOS looking to trim the wage bill by letting go of experienced players.

Raphael Varane has already announced that he is leaving while Jonny Evans could follow suit. Both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have been linked with potential exits.

Defensive additions needed

Due to PSR concerns, the club cannot afford to go all gung-ho with their recruitment and will need to be smart when it comes to acquisitions.

The club is looking to add more than one centre-back and possible big-money deals for Antonio Silva, Jarrad Branthwaite, Ronald Araujo and Leny Yoro have been doing the rounds but it is unlikely that the club can afford to spend such a lot on a defender.

That is why the rumour mill is awash with news of a move for free agent Tosin Adarabioyo and now another cut-price Premier League option has emerged thanks to CaughtOffside.

Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly has emerged as a surprise target should the club fail to land one of the big guns. He is left-footed, a huge draw for the Red Devils considering the difficulties they have faced on the left-side of their defence.

“There are other names on United’s list in case they’re unable to secure Yoro, such as Bayer Leverkusen’s Odilon Kossounou, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo and Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly,” the report stated.

The 25-year-old’s versatility will be hugely attractive to Ten Hag with the player able to play both as a left-back and centre-back. Considering Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw’s injury troubles this campaign, a move for Kelly actually makes a lot of sense.

Versatility makes Kelly a standout target

The England U21 international has been a standout performer for the Cherries, making 24 appearances in all competitions while keeping six clean sheets and scoring once and registering an assist as well.

The former Bristol City star’s deal with Andoni Iraola’s team ends in June and he could be available on a free with Newcastle United in the lead while both Arsenal and Liverpool are among the interested parties.

Kelly is in the top six percent among Premier League defenders for tackles won and has a 100 percent dribble success rate (as per fotmob). He is also in the top 1 percent for clearances (fbref).

Another cut-price gem is on the market but won’t be for too long. INEOS need to act fast or else this managerial uncertainty could lead to yet another gem eluding their grasp.

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