Newcastle agree deal to sign Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth on a free transfer… with the Magpies also closing in on landing fellow defender Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham

Newcastle have reached an agreement to sign Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer.

Kelly has spent the last five years with the Cherries after joining from Bristol City, but his contract expires at the end of next month.

The Magpies moved quickly to secure his signature, and Mail Sport understands a deal has now been completed for the 25-year-old to move to St James’ Park this summer.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe – who managed Bournemouth in two separate spells between 2008 and 2020 – is a long-term admirer of Kelly and is finally ready to land his man.

Kelly made 23 league appearances for Bournemouth in the 2023/24 season and can play at center or left back.

Eddie Howe has been an admirer of Kelly for years and will finally land the versatile defender

His signing will strengthen Newcastle’s defensive ranks after centre-backs Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles both suffered ACL injuries in the final months of the season, which will rule them out until the end of 2024.

Howe is keen to bring in more defensive reinforcements this off-season, with Newcastle also making a move for Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham.

Adarabioyo is out of contract at Craven Cottage this summer and has also attracted interest from Manchester United.

However, Mail Sport exclusively revealed on Wednesday that Newcastle are closing in on signing the 26-year-old, now that the framework of his contract has been completed.

Barring any last minute stumbles, Adarabioyo is expected to be Newcastle’s first signing of the summer, with a deal expected to be completed in London in the coming days.

Kelly should follow him through the door to Tyneside as Newcastle look to make a fast start to the summer transfer window.

Newcastle are also closing in on the free transfer of Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo

Newcastle’s season ended on Wednesday after they played a friendly against Tottenham in Melbourne, just three days after the last Premier League match.

Howe’s team won 5–4 on penalties after the match finished 1–1 in normal time.

The North East team will also be keeping a close eye on this weekend’s FA Cup final as they look to discover whether they will be playing in Europe again next season.

A Manchester City win would confirm Newcastle’s place in the Europa Conference League, but if Manchester United can pull off a surprise win at Wembley they will take Newcastle’s place in Europe.