Lloyd Kelly “could return to the Premier League” this summer, with Sunderland having “made inquiries” about the defender, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Last season, Sunderland secured their return to the top flight in drastic fashion, scoring a stoppage-time winner in the play-off final against Sheffield United. The Black Cats, who were outside of the Premier League for almost a decade, have spent heavily so far this summer to avoid an immediate return to the second tier.
Sunderland have, at the time of writing, made 10 additions to their first-team including Enzo Le Fee, who initially joined the club on loan in January. Goalkeeper Robin Roefs has signed to offer competition to Anthony Patterson whilst left-backs Reinildo and Arthur Masuaku have joined as free agents.
In midfield, Regis Le Bris’ side have signed former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka, Noah Sidiki and Habib Diarra and to reinforce their attack, have recruited striker Marc Guiu and wingers Simon Adingra and Chemsdine Talbi. Sunderland continue to be linked to a number of players as the window goes on.
Now, reports from Italy have suggested that the Stadium of Light side are keen on bringing a defender back to the highest tier of English football.
Sunderland Inquire About Signing Kelly
Lloyd Kelly
La Gazzetta dello Sport have suggested that Juventus, in order to fund further deals this summer, will first have to sell some of their players, a bracket that Lloyd Kelly may fall into. The defender, just last year, was playing for Sunderland’s arch-rivals Newcastle United, having joined the club from Bournemouth.
After just half a season with the Magpies, Kelly joined Juventus on loan with an obligation to buy, something that was fulfilled earlier this summer. Reportedly, Kelly has not asked to leave the Turin giants, but the club could sell him if they receive “an attractive offer,” having valued Kelly at around £17.5 million.
In Kelly, Sunderland would be signing a player who has Premier League experience, which could prove crucial for a young squad throughout their first season in a new league. Whether the Black Cats can pull Kelly to the other side of the Tyne-Wear Derby, however, remains to be seen.
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