Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk heir close to surprise transfer

Cameron Smith

• 14 Jan 2024 16:45 GMT
• 3 min read

Liverpool’s search for a long-term Virgil van Dijk heir has suffered a major blow following news that Lloyd Kelly is talking to two Serie A giants over a possible summer transfer.

Kelly, 25, has impressed at Bournemouth over the past few years and Jurgen Klopp’s side were heavily linked with a move earlier this season.

The Reds were reportedly keen on pursuing Kelly during the January transfer window as he only has six months left on his current Bournemouth contract.

However, links with a move to Anfield have died down in recent weeks and Tottenham Hotspur appear to be the most likely Premier League destination for Kelly.

But, a move to Italy is also on the cards as two of Serie A’s biggest are chasing his signature.

Lloyd Kelly to move to Serie A?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth admitted that Spurs will face serious competition for Kelly, while Liverpool appear out of the race for now.

“They've [Tottenham] kept an eye on the Lloyd Kelly situation,” he began. “He's only got six months left on his contract. AC Milan and Juventus are talking to his representatives over a pre-contract agreement.

“Remember, when it comes to a pre-contract agreement, you don't need to talk to the club, you can just talk straight to the player because the player is allowed to do that.

“There is still a possibility that Lloyd Kelly will stay at Bournemouth at least until the end of the season and maybe even sign a new contract because Bournemouth have open talks over a new deal with Lloyd Kelly, but he holds all the cards here.”

Interest from Champions League clubs may not come as too much surprise given Kelly's form on the south coast recently, but data analytics experts SciSports believe that a move to AC Milan or Juventus wouldn't make sense for Kelly.

The former rank as his 72nd best transfer option while the latter as his 49th best option, according to SciSports. However, both clubs are keen on landing him on a free transfer.

Kelly has reportedly been offered a new deal by the Cherries but he is yet to extend his stay at the Vitality Stadium. The 25-year-old has made 126 appearances for Bournemouth, scoring two goals.