Juventus have reportedly reached an agreement with Newcastle United to sign defender Lloyd Kelly.
The 26-year-old only arrived are St James' Park in July last year on a free transfer from Bournemouth, penning a long-term deal until the summer of 2029.
However, Kelly has struggled to gain regular first-team football under Eddie Howe and has been limited to just seven starts and seven substitute appearances across all competitions.
Although Kelly is comfortable operating as either a centre-back or left-back, Howe has preferred to select Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, Dan Burn and, at times, Emil Krafth at the heart of his defence, while Lewis Hall has impressed throughout this season on the left.
Kelly, who has not started a Premier League game since November 25, has been linked with an exit throughout the winter transfer window, with Turkish giants Fenerbahce initially credited with an interest in the Englishman.
Jose Mourinho's side allegedly had an £11m bid for Kelly rejected by Newcastle, although Howe played down such rumours a fortnight ago.
Lloyd Kelly & his representative Hootan Ahmadi leaving Newcastle en route to Turin. Kelly will have medical with Juventus after clubs agreed a loan with an obligation worth £20m. Huge deal for Kelly. Only joined Newcastle last summer as free agent. #NUFC #Juventus pic.twitter.com/02SZpOhRqL
— Dharmesh Sheth (@skysports_sheth) February 2, 2025
Kelly heading to Turin for medical ahead of Juve transfer
Howe insisted in January that Kelly was "integral" to Newcastle and stressed that no offers have come "anywhere close to making the club make a decision".
However, Kelly is now heading for the exit door, with The Athletic reporting that Newcastle have agreed for the defender to complete a late move to Serie A giants Juventus.
The report adds that Kelly will initially join Juve on loan for the rest of this season, but Thiago Motta's side have an obligation to buy him for £20m in the summer.
It is understood that Newcastle's position regarding the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules has forced the club to 'always consider' any significant offers received for first-team players.
Kelly and his representative Hootan Ahmadi have been spotted leaving Newcastle and are scheduled to fly over to Turin on Sunday ahead of the defender undergoing a medical and completing all the necessary paperwork.
The Bristol City academy graduate is set to become Juventus' fourth signing of the winter window after right-back Alberto Costa, versatile defender Renato Veiga and forward Randal Kolo Muani, the latter two having joined on loan.
Oliver Thomas
