Serie A winner and Austrian ace among six defenders on Newcastle United transfer radar
Newcastle United could be forced to make a move this January as interest in the services of defender Lloyd Kelly ramps up. The Englishman, who only joined the Magpies last summer, is on the radar for clubs right across Europe.
Speculation first emerged around Super Lig side Fenerbahce as a potential destination for the 26-year-old. But in recent days, Italian giants Juventus are said to be looking towards his direction after missing out on AC Milan's ex-Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori.
Reports suggest The Old Lady have had a loan with an obligation to buy offer outright rejected by the north east club. Chronicle Live understands Kelly is valued at around £20million.
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It is thought the defender has not asked to leave St James' Park with manager, Eddie Howe, seeing Kelly as a vital member of the squad. But with PSR concerns looming, Newcastle could be forced to cash in this month. Speaking with the media, Howe said: "Lloyd has not talked to me about leaving the football club. I think he's only just joined and I think there's an understanding from his perspective he's got to earn that right to play - and prove that he deserves to play ahead of other players.
"So there's been absolutely no issue. He has been great to work with and I knew he would be. He's waiting for his opportunities, so there's no issue with Lloyd at all.
"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."
Kelly has only started four Premier League games since he joined on a free transfer from AFC Bournemouth, while he also played in Newcastle's 3-1 win over Bromley in the FA Cup earlier this month. But, should he leave, who could Newcastle look to as a replacement? Chronicle Live takes a look.
Sepp van den Berg
Current club: Brentford
Value: £15million*
First up is a young up-and-coming Dutch defender who Chronicle Live understand Newcastle have scouted. Van den Berg has gone under the radar with his performances at Brentford in the Premier League so far this campaign, especially in that late defeat against leaders Liverpool on the weekend.
The 23-year-old's versatile nature, such as his ability to play right-back, would make him a fitting replacement for Kelly. It's just finding out how much it'll take for the Bees to part ways with one of the stars of their backline which could prove troubling.
Loic Bade
Current club: Sevilla
Value: £21million*
The France international has been making waves in Spain, impressing for Sevilla in La Liga. The 24-year-old joined the club on a permanent deal from Rennes in 2023.
Newcastle fans may remember Bade for scoring against Manchester United in Sevilla's remarkable 3-0 win in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals. You never know, he could be doing that once again this April, but this time in the famous black and white stripes, although Aston Villa have a strong interest in the player and may beat everyone to a deal this month.
Kevin Danso
Current club: Lens
Value: £21million*
The highly-rated Austrian has been touted for a Premier League return - either in January or next summer. Having previously dined with the English elite during his loan spell at Southampton in the 2019/20 season, the 26-year-old has since made a name for himself out in France.
Danso is, reportedly, also a top target for Wolves, with manager Vitor Pereira looking to add a quick and reliable defender to his ranks. So if interested, Eddie Howe and Newcastle United must act quick or risk missing out on his services.
Axel Disasi
Current club: Chelsea
Value: £25million*
One of the many victims of Chelsea's huge haul of elite talent, Disasi has found first-team opportunities difficult to find ever since he made the move to London from Monaco in 2023. This is despite scoring on his debut in a draw at home to Liverpool.
But with the likes of Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo preferred, Enzo Maresca will reportedly allow the 26-year-old to leave in January, whether permanently or on loan. This is where Newcastle (might) come in as ideal suitors.
Fikayo Tomori
Current club: AC Milan
Value: £19million*
The ex-Chelsea and Derby County defender has enjoyed a rather illustrious four years in Italy. Winning the Serie A title in 2021/22 and the Supercoppa Italiana earlier this season, the 27-year-old has now cemented his place as one of Europe's most complete defenders.
It's been a mixed league campaign for AC Milan so far, who currently sit midtable, so now might be as good a time as any for Newcastle to swoop for his signature. His long admirers reportedly include Tottenham and Aston Villa, so Howe and the Magpies might have to act quick.
Marc Guehi
Current club: Crystal Palace
Value: £38million*
Ending with by far the most expensive name on the list, the English defender just missed out on a transfer to St James' Park last summer. Negotiations between both Newcastle and Crystal Palace stumbled over the fee - with three bids rejected - which could prove an obstacle once again with PSR concerns still lingering.
The 24-year-old is an ever-present at the heart of Palace's defence, while he has continued to impress alongside Maxence Lacroix. But can Newcastle finally get their man this January?
*All player values are according to the Transfermarkt website. Subject to change.