Lloyd Kelly has emerged as a surprise target for a number of clubs across Europe as the January transfer window begins to hot up. The defender, signed on a free transfer after leaving Bournemouth in the summer, is a wanted man.

A clutch of clubs with defensive issues have consequently been made aware of his lack of game time and both Fenerbahce and Juventus have made enquiries. Chronicle Live understand that Newcastle have put a £25million price tag on the back-up defender. Eddie Howe is keen to keep hold of as many assets as he can this month, despite the club's ongoing PSR concerns.

"Whatever rumours you're hearing are likely from Fenerbahce and not from the player so I want to make that very clear and Lloyd's an important part of what we're doing," said Howe after the Turkish side made a £6m bid last week. "Lloyd has not talked to me about leaving the football club."

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The £25m price tag is designed to scare off clubs, but given Newcastle are mindful of their financial obligations, and want to put together as big a pot of money as possible for the summer spend, cashing in on a player who cost nothing in the summer is also an attractive thought, as well as moving a large chunk of money off the wage bill.

Should Newcastle entertain offers for Kelly if the price is right? Or do they need to keep hold of as many of their squad this window as possible. Our Newcastle United writers have their say.

Lee Ryder

There is clear football logic in Eddie Howe wanting to keep Lloyd Kelly but it will be interesting to see if he wins the argument because £25m for a player who can't get a game is a lot of money. And it's also a big profit for a defender who cost nothing just a few months ago.

Even when Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles were injured, Kelly could not force his way into the back four under Howe. But in the eyes of the head coach he is a good squad player who he can rely on. Lascelles will take a few steps close to fitness in the next two or three weeks but there is no pressure on him to rush back.

However, if Juventus can pile the money up to the tipping point - or any other interested parties - then Newcastle may have to do a common sense deal.

Ciaran Kelly

Newcastle United need to become better traders and if a heavyweight offer comes in for Lloyd Kelly, the Magpies have to seriously consider it. However, I have my doubts on whether such a bid will actually be submitted given what a slow market it has been this month.

Newcastle should not just sell Kelly for the sake of it - it has to be on their terms - and I would not see this as a now-or-never situation. Kelly has attracted interest from the continent despite not starting a league game since November. Given his age and profile, it is not hard to imagine further enquiries arriving in the summer when clubs have more money to spend.

Revisiting the situation in the summer would also ensure Newcastle have adequate cover for the final months of the season. While Newcastle have a plethora of options at the back, the black-and-whites are only a couple of injuries away from Kelly being called upon from the off, whether it is at centre-back or left-back.

Aaron Stokes

A deal for £25m - or anything near that figure - should likely be accepted as Newcastle United aim to boost their coffers and stave off any future PSR threat. However, it is absolutely imperative Lloyd Kelly is replaced THIS MONTH if Juventus or any suitors sign the backup defender.

Should Kelly leave, Eddie Howe will be left with limited options at the heart of his backline. Sven Botman, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn and Emil Krafth to be precise. Alex Murphy's imminent loan exit adds to the worries over squad depth in that particular position.

If selling Kelly can unlock the funds to replace him with a decent alternative, I'd welcome his departure. However, I don't think I - or Eddie Howe - will be happy if the 26-year-old leaves and Newcastle are left in an even weaker position regarding squad depth.

Andrew Musgrove

If Newcastle United can get anyone to pay £25m for Lloyd Kelly, then I'd like the person who sorted that deal out to come and help me sell my house. £25m? That would be a ludicrous amount for anyone to pay for a defender who has fallen so far below expectations. It would be one of the best sales the current ownership have done, and really, no one is paying that.

If United are after £25m, that feels like more of a move to stop dead any interest rather than a realistic price to be met - but stranger things have happened. I'd be accepting £15m. It's a profit and it aids the battle against PSR.

A in-form Kelly would fetch you at least £25m but this is far from that - this a man who can't get into the first team. Away from the price tag, selling Kelly would only make sense if Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles are nearing a return because you can bet your last penny, Kelly goes to Juventus and Fabian Schar, Sven Botman or Dan Burn pick up an injury.

Stuart Jamieson

Much depends on what United are able to do with any money they receive for Kelly. If it means being able to spend on a first-team quality player now, then it feels like a no-brainer. Newcastle have cover at central defence, with Schar, Burn, Botman, Krafth and the soon-to-return Lascelles, so while Kelly offers decent back-up, his exit won't damage the squad too much.

They should hold out of their asking price - and with the fees being bandied about for some Premier League defenders then £25m seems reasonable - but if they cash-in now and reinvest heavily on a striker or right-wing option, then I'll be all for it.

Ross Gregory

Lloyd Kelly is a great back-up option for Newcastle. But while he was a free agent and cost nothing, he is among the higher earners at the club. A five-year contract on very decent money for someone effectively fourth-choice centre-half and second or third-choice left-back still represents a big investment.

Newcastle have some difficult decisions to make in the coming weeks or months. There is no doubt they need to move players out of the door to create the headroom for a couple of signings that could propel them into contention for silverware on a regular basis. But they've been woeful sellers in the past. Compare what Chelsea do with their squad players - they sold Fikayo Tomori to Milan for £30m four years ago and there's now talk of them wanting £40m for Trevor Chalobah. I repeat. £40m for Trevor Chalobah! If that's the market value then Kelly is a snip at £25m.

Newcastle should absolutely cash in on the 26-year-old. Howe may trust and value him but he's not going to break into the first team now that Sven Botman is back. Selling one of Kelly or Matt Targett would make the most sense this window and there seems to be no takers for the latter.

Then stick it all in on a fresh £60m bid for Marc Guehi and give Eddie Howe the top-quality stars he needs and deserves.