While Miguel Almiron is poised to depart Newcastle United in the coming days, the future of Lloyd Kelly looks a tad more uncertain as we enter the business end of the January transfer window.

The defender cannot force his way into this high-flying team at present and his opportunities at Newcastle since his summer arrival have proved limited. In total, Kelly has played just one minute of Premier League football since the back end of November.

As such, clubs on the continent have tested the waters for the 26-year-old in recent weeks. Fenerbahce were the first to break cover with a public display of interest, which angered Newcastle, before Serie A giants Juventus arrived on the scene.

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Both clubs saw their initial interest rebuffed, with Howe admitting the Magpies had not received offers worthy of contemplation so far this month. Juventus look like they may have already moved on, with Chelsea and West Ham United defenders closing in on respective moves to the Turin outfit.

Renato Veiga, a versatile defender who can play at centre-back, full-back or in midfield who was signed by the Stamford Bridge outfit in the summer, is undergoing his medical in Italy on Monday, while Juventus are also exploring a loan move for Hammers centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo until the end of the season.

Should the Premier League duo both sign on the dotted line at The Old Lady, it would have a big impact on Newcastle's January window as Howe seeks to keep Kelly until at least the end of the season. The Magpies boss sees the defender as a valued member of his first-team squad despite his limited game time of late.

“I've seen a little bit of the speculation on Lloyd. We've certainly not had any bid anywhere close to making the club make a decision on that," Howe told reporters before his side's visit to Southampton.

"Lloyd's an integral part of what we're doing from my perspective. His challenge is to try and work his way into the team. He's only just arrived, so I think he's got a lot to achieve here."

With Kelly potentially staying put, Newcastle are set to cash in on Almiron in the near future. Talks are progressing over a £10m switch, with Atlanta United re-signing the winger on a long-term deal.