Liverpool may reportedly make an approach for Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly during the January transfer window.
The Cherries won a hotly-contested race for Kelly when he left Bristol City in 2019, despite interest from bigger clubs.
Since then, the versatile defender has proven to be a valuable asset to Bournemouth, making a total of 117 starts and seven substitute outings in all competitions.
Kelly is regarded as a leadership figure behind the scenes and has recently worn the captain's armband in the absence of goalkeeper Neto.
However, with Kelly having less than a year remaining on his contract at the Vitality Stadium, admirers are emerging from elsewhere as they contemplate a move for a potential free agent.
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At the present time, there appears to be little prospect of the 25-year-old being open to a renewal given the profile of team that are said to be monitoring the situation.
Earlier this month, it was reported that AC Milan are interested in acquiring Kelly for nothing next summer or, at the very least, a cut-price fee in January.
Nevertheless, it is plausible that a wide array of Premier League clubs could also move for Kelly, who has seven starts and one substitute appearances in 2023-24.
According to Football Insider, Liverpool are prepared to make a formal bid at the midway point of the campaign.
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Manager Jurgen Klopp has been interested in Kelly on more than one occasion in recent years without ever coming close to getting a deal over the line.
With Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip each 32 years of age, though, there is a greater urgency to freshen up the backline, particularly if they can bring in an experienced head who is domestic-based and can play in a number of roles.
The report adds that Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in securing a deal for Kelly, likely for similar reasons to their Premier League rivals.
Given the level of spending last summer, Bournemouth officials may be more inclined to generate a fee for Kelly in January in order to ensure that they do not lose out from an FFP perspective.
Darren Plant
