Juventus green light Lloyd Kelly is out as the race heats up between Leeds and Everton
With Hayden Hackney and Tyrique George secured, Everton are wasting no time before targeting another summer target. This time, they are looking to welcome an impressive defender.
The Toffees came within touching distance of qualifying for Europe last week and are signing players who can help close that gap.
Next on the agenda seems to be Lloyd Kelly. The Juventus man is eyeing a return to the Premier League and it looks like there is no shortage of players this summer.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
After one year, reports say Kelly wants to return to the Premier League and Juventus are ready to make a move. A move to Everton would make a lot of sense considering their backline, too. Kelly is a quality prospect and will join a team that will need to replace the aging James Tarkowski soon. |
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Finance |
Juventus initially put the defender’s price tag at €35m (£30m), but are now willing to accept a reduced price of just €30m (£26m) in a bid to boost potential suitors. |
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Understanding |
There were plenty of question marks when Kelly secured a move to Juventus after a tough spell at Newcastle, but he has since shown no doubt that he was wrong. The centre-back will return to English football as a complete player ready to take on the top flight. |
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Impact |
It’s a three-club race for Kelly between Aston Villa, Everton and Leeds United. Anyone who misses is likely to stay in the market, creating a defensive merry-go-round. |
A player with Premier League experience at a cut price, it should come as no surprise that Kelly is the most wanted man this summer.
Everton are planning a tough move for Kelly
According to TuttoJuve in Italy, as reported by Sport Witness, Everton are planning a serious move to sign Kelly after Juventus faced the green sides in their pursuit of the defender.
Kelly, meanwhile, is eyeing a return to the Premier League with a race brewing between the Toffees, Leeds and Aston Villa. As things stand, the race leader is yet to emerge.
The deal has attracted more attention with reports that the Turin side are ready to accept €30m (£26m) to sell the former Newcastle defender, who have dropped from their initial €30m (£30m) asking price.
£30m Kelly could partner Branthwaite
It’s easy to forget the quality Everton have just waiting to reach their peak potential. Jarrad Branthwaite is 24-years-old and, despite a series of injury problems over the past 18 months, should still be the man to lead David Moyes back for years to come. That is not in doubt.
The only problem left is finding a partner and that’s where Kelly comes in. At the age of 27, the former Bournemouth man is in his prime and new to playing European football at a top club. That alone makes him a valuable option and potentially one of the summer’s best selling assets for just £30m.
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Everton are starting to do well in the summer transfer market.
