Newcastle identify Tottenham target as ideal replacement for injured Sven Botman, but Italian clubs also surround him

Newcastle are the favorites to sign Lloyd Kelly, talkSPORT understands.

The magpies will intensify their search for Bournemouth defense after Sven Botman's anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The 25-year-old is a free agent this summer and has shown no inclination to sign a new contract.

Tottenham have previously been linked with the Englishman who represented his country at Under-20 and Under-21 levels.

talkSPORT brought you the news in November that Spurs were ready to revive your interest on the defender in January, having rejected a £20m bid at the end of the summer window.

The Cherries were understood to be happy to lose him for nothing rather than jeopardize their Premier League status.

However, Spurs are still interested in him, as are three Italian teams.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe He is understood to be a big admirer of Kelly, who has made 16 appearances in all competitions this season.

That number would undoubtedly have been higher had he not been sidelined on three different occasions due to injuries.

Kelly has been with the Cherries since signing from Bristol City in 2019.

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Since then he has played 132 games, scoring three goals and providing seven assists in that time.

He has helped the Cherries stay away from relegation danger this season as they sit 13th in the league.

Speaking about his club star in December, Bournemouth owner Bill Foley wanted to try and retain Kelly as interest grew.

He told talkSPORT: “We will be meeting the agent and it would be a great achievement if we could keep Lloyd Kelly as he is a key player, he is versatile and can play two different positions.

“I like him as an individual. He's a good player and a good guy. “We can do the best we can and that's what we're going to do.”