Tottenham Hotspur are considering a possible move for Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly ahead of the transfer deadline on Friday, reports Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
However, a move could depend on several factors as Spurs need to get some players out before signing the Englishman, while the Cherries would need to get in a replacement first.
Tottenham could offer Eric Dier as part of the deal as a makeweight, and it remains to be seen if they will be able to get the deal over the line.
EXCL: Tottenham considering possible move for Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth in last 24h 🚨⚪️ #THFC
No formal bid/concrete yet as depends on outgoings, Spurs need players to leave.
Bournemouth would need to replace Kelly, not easy; also Eric Dier could be offered as part of deal. pic.twitter.com/3LfELiOMqP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2023
While the 24-year-old Kelly is primarily a centre-back, he can also play at left-back, and it is a position manager Ange Postecoglou needs more options as Sergio Reguilon could be off to Manchester United in the coming hours.
The former England youth international has made three appearances across all competitions this term after playing a total of 24 games last season.
Kelly was brilliant as Bournemouth secured Premier League promotion at the end of 2021-22, making the EFL Championship Team of the Season and the Championship PFA Team of the Year.
The Cherries star is comfortable holding on to the ball and playing out from the back, and Postecoglou appears to be an admirer of his style of play.
A move to Spurs could appeal to Kelly, but whether he can displace the left-sided centre-back Micky van de Ven or left-backs Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies in the pecking order remains to be seen.
Kelly played all 90 minutes against Tottenham in his side’s 2-0 loss on Saturday, and it appears he impressed the Spurs boss and his assistants with his performance despite the result.
He has the qualities to bolster the defensive ranks at the North London club and push the current starters for a starting berth, but it remains to be seen whether there is enough time for the club to get the signing done.
