Craig Hope has now dropped an insider claim on reported Newcastle United transfer target Lloyd Kelly.

The Lowdown: Kelly targeted

It has already been widely reported that the St. James’ Park faithful are interested in a move for Kelly in the January transfer window.

With Kieran Trippier being officially announced by the club on Friday morning, it now looks as if the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium will concentrate on strengthening their defence further, given their poor defensive record in the Premier League so far this season.

The reliable Mark Douglas has confirmed the Magpies want a centre-back and a striker after the capture of Trippier.

The Latest: Kelly latest

As per The Daily Mail’s Hope, it ‘sounds like’ it could now be ‘difficult’ for the North East club to do a deal for Kelly this month, as Bournemouth are reluctant to sell him while they are going for promotion.

Eddie Howe ‘likes’ the player, but it looks like he may now have to look elsewhere for other targets.

The Verdict: Shame

It would certainly be a shame if the Tyneside outfit miss out on signing Kelly.

Of course, he is a player that Howe knows well, having signed him for the Cherries while he was the manager there, and he then went on to play nine games under him in an injury-hit campaign.

Nonetheless, Howe would know how to get the best out of him, and his ability to play anywhere across the backline would have been a real asset to have, adding depth in multiple positions.

However, it looks like the new owners will now have to look at other targets in what promises to be a very busy next few weeks ahead.

In other news, find out who is now on NUFC’s ‘radar’ here!