Liverpool can replace Van Dijk AND Robertson with an old Richard Hughes favourite

Liverpool were reported to be shopping for left-sided defenders last summer.

The likes of Willian Pacho, Goncalo Inacio and Piero Hincapie were all linked with potential moves to Anfield as FSG and Richard Hughes sought a succession plan for both Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson.

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With Van Dijk’s contract expiring and Robertson experiencing a downturn in form, the Reds’ needs in those positions are no less pronounced six months on.

There have been plenty of discussions over the identity of Robertson’s possible successor with Milos Kerkez and Patrick Dorgu reportedly on the list. In central defence, names like Murillo and Jarrad Branthwaite have been associated with an Anfield move.

One player linked last summer who could have provided cover for both men was Lloyd Kelly. The 26-year-old was coming to the end of his Bournemouth contract and had a number of suitors in the Premier League and beyond.

Signed by current Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes for the Cherries back in 2019, the links made sense. Kelly cost Bournemouth £13m from Bristol City and was a dependable performer - when fit - at centre-back and left-back.

Kelly out of favour by Newcastle

Liverpool opted not to sign Kelly despite their requirements and he ended up at Newcastle instead. The lure of first-team football - and a longer contract - seemingly swayed the defender who took up a place in Eddie Howe’s squad having previously worked under the Englishman at Dean Court.

However the move has not quite turned out right for Kelly or for the Magpies. Despite a profound defensive injury crisis around the club, he’s been unable to make a decisive first-team breakthrough. Kelly has only started FOUR Premier League games to this point and talk has already turned to the possibility of Newcastle offloading him. #

Football Insider claims Kelly could be used to generate transfer funds - a development which should put Hughes and Liverpool on alert. While he’s under contract until 2029, Kelly could nonetheless be available for a decent fee considering his lowly status in the Newcastle squad.

Any money Howe’s side make on Kelly would be pure profit since he signed on a Bosman. The club are reported to have turned down an attempt from Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce to sign the stopper as they don’t have adequate cover and are unlikely to sell him this month.

However, this is a signing that Liverpool could consider in summer with question marks over Van Dijk and Robertson. Despite the exit talk, the report claims that Kelly is currently prepared to stay and fight for his place at St. James’ Park.

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