Liverpool could make January offer for Bournemouth star

Liverpool are among the clubs considering a January move for Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly, according to one report.

The Reds explored options for a left-sided centre back signing during the summer transfer window, with Anfield Watch reporting Liverpool's interest in Levi Colwill before he signed new terms with Chelsea.

Ultimately no defensive signings were made, as Ryan Gravenberch's Deadline Day arrival meant that all four of Liverpool's first-team arrivals were midfielders.

With Joel Matip's contract expiring next summer, Virgil van Dijk now 32 and no specialist left-sided centre back in the squad, Liverpool are expected to keep looking at targets in future windows as they hunt for the right profile of player.

90min report that 24-year-old Bournemouth star Kelly is on the Reds' watchlist and that Jurgen Klopp's side are 'considering approaching' the Cherries regarding a deal in January.

Kelly will be out of contract at the end of the 2023/24 season, potentially making a deal easier and cheaper to negotiate.

90min's report adds that Liverpool are far from the only club interested in Kelly, with Tottenham and Newcastle also considering mid-season approaches.

A former England Under-21, Kelly is homegrown, able to play both at centre back and left-back was previously touted as a Liverpool target during his Bristol City days, prior to his £13m move to Bournemouth back in 2019.

Liverpool's lack of defensive reinforcement has risked leaving them short this season. Ibrahima Konate has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, while Virgil van Dijk may be facing an extended ban after receiving an improper conduct charge from the FA.

Meanwhile, right backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley are also both currently injured.

Heading into the game against Wolves (16 September), Liverpool's first after the international break, it is likely that Joe Gomez and Joel Matip will be the only senior, available centre backs to Klopp.