Liverpool 'admirers' of Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly

Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly is said to have "admirers" at Liverpool amid interest from several Premier League clubs.

Fans were surprised that the Reds didn't make a move for a centre-back during the summer transfer window, despite links to Sporting CP's Goncalo Inacio and now Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven.

Liverpool were said to be interested in a left-sided centre-back during the last transfer window - preferably someone who is left-footed and could play left-back as well.

Given Trent Alexander-Arnold's new inverted full-back role in which he steps into midfield, it was thought that Jurgen Klopp might look for a left-back that could shift to centre-back in transition to help offer the backline more defensive support.

Andy Robertson struggled filling in as a third centre-back at times last term, with Liverpool often susceptible to quick counter-attacks with Alexander-Arnold out of position.

With Joel Matip out of contract next summer and Virgil van Dijk nearing the latter stages of his career, the Reds will have to invest in a central defender soon, regardless of young Jarell Quansah's impressive form this season.

According to Talksport, that man could be Lloyd Kelly of Bournemouth.

The 25-year-old is said to have "admirers" at Anfield despite significant interest from Tottenham during the summer. It's reported that Spurs even had a £20m bid rejected for Kelly, suggesting that Liverpool are unlikely to be at the front of the queue for the England defender's signature.

Kelly has made 123 appearances for the Cherries since arriving at the club from Bristol City back in 2019 and is comfortable at centre-back and left-back.

That perhaps makes him an ideal candidate for Liverpool's recruitment team, especially given that Kelly's contract with Bournemouth expires in the summer and that he would be classed as a homegrown player.

As a result, Kelly might be available for a cut-price fee in January, or prospective buyers could bide their time and snap him up for nothing come July 2024.

However, with Spurs showing strong interest, and Newcastle United touted with a potential move, a deal for Kelly may not come to fruition.