Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Pete O’Rourke believes that West Ham United could now make a move to sign Lloyd Kelly from AFC Bournemouth during the January transfer window after the news of Aaron Cresswell's injury.
The Lowdown: Kelly vital to the Cherries
Kelly arrived at Bournemouth in the summer of 2019 from Championship side Bristol City, in a deal worth £13.3 million.
Since moving to the Cherries, the 23-year-old has become a staple of Scott Parker’s side, having made 71 appearances for the club, many of which as club captain.
Kelly has been vital to Bournemouth’s backline, with his defensive qualities demonstrated by his last-ditch clearances, of which he averages 4.8 a game – more than any other Bournemouth player (following Steve Cook’s departure).
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The Latest: Hammers could move for Kelly
The Daily Telegraph has previously reported that David Moyes has identified Kelly as the central defender needed to mend his side’s defensive woes, following the serious injuries sustained by Kurt Zouma, Angelo Ogbonna and now Cresswell.
Despite this, The Telegraph have also claimed that Bournemouth will resist any attempts to sign the England U21 colossus, as they push for Premier league promotion themselves.
However, O’Rourke believes recent revelations will have ramped up the Hammers’ pursuit of the player. Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "With the injury to Aaron Cresswell, that could be an interesting one to keep an eye on, Lloyd Kelly, because he can play in a couple of positions"
The Verdict: Good addition for West Ham
Former Cherries boss Jonathan Woodgate has claimed that Kelly has ‘a lot of attributes which Premier League teams look at’ and even claimed he doesn't ‘see him being at Bournemouth long', describing the youngster as ‘a bit of a Rolls-Royce’.
With that sort of talent, great pace and physicality, age on his side and the added bonus of being able to play in either centre-back slot or at left-back, it is clear that the Englishman would be a fantastic addition to the current Hammers side.
When Zouma, Ogbonna and Cresswell return to full fitness, Kelly would provide Moyes with a strong rotation option to use in Europa League and cup fixtures for any of the three, and could even be the long-term successor for one of the latter two, who are both the wrong side of 30.
With former manager Eddie Howe claiming that 'he's got everything', we believe the Irons should go all out to secure the Bournemouth defender’s signature in the January window.