With Hayden Hackney and Tyrique George secured, Everton are wasting no time before pushing towards another summer target. This time, they’re looking to welcome an impressive central defender.
The Toffees came within touching distance of European qualification last time out and are already signing the players who could help bridge 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 he is not short on suitors this summer.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
After one year away, reports are claiming that Kelly wants a return to the Premier League and Juventus are ready to green-light a move. A move to Everton would make a lot of sense when looking at their backline, too. Kelly is someone at the peak of his powers and would be joining a side that will need to replace an ageing James Tarkowski sooner rather than later. |
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Finances |
Juventus initially set the defender’s price-tag at a hefty €35m (£30m), but are now willing to accept a cut-price deal worth just €30m (£26m) in a major boost for potential suitors. |
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Insight |
There were a lot of question marks when Kelly secured a move to Juventus after an underwhelming spell at Newcastle, but he’s since proved doubters wrong. The centre-back would be returning to English football as a far more complete player ready to take the top flight by storm. |
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Impact |
It’s a three club race for Kelly between Aston Villa, Everton and Leeds United. Whoever misses out is likely to remain 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 a man in-demand this summer.
Everton plotting serious Kelly move
According to TuttoJuve in Italy, as relayed by Sport Witness, Everton are plotting a serious move to sign Kelly after Juventus dealt sides the green light to pursue the defender.
Kelly, himself, has his sights set on a Premier League return with a race now erupting between the Toffees, Leeds and Aston Villa. As things stand, the race leader is yet to emerge.
The deal has become even more tempting by reports that those in Turin are ready to accept a €30m (£26m) to sell the former Newcastle defender, which is down from their original €30m (£30m) asking price.
£30m Kelly could partner Branthwaite
It’s easy to forget the quality that Everton have just waiting to reach top potential. Jarrad Branthwaite is still just 24 years old and, despite ill-timed injury problems in the last 18 months, should still be the man to lead David Moyes‘ backline for years to come. That is unquestionable.
The only problem that remains is finding a partner and that’s where Kelly could come in. At 27, the former Bournemouth man is at the peak of his powers and fresh from playing European football at an elite club. That in itself makes him a valuable option and potentially one of the bargains of the summer at just £30m.
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