Lloyd Kelly, who was reportedly the subject of late transfer interest from Tottenham Hotspur, has admitted that things have been ‘up and down’ for him the first few months of the campaign after what transpired in the transfer window.
It was reported by The Athletic on the morning of deadline day this summer that Spurs had made an offer of £20m for Kelly, which was turned down by Bournemouth.
The outlet explained that the Cherries were reluctant to let the defender leave so late in the transfer window since they did not have time to bring in a suitable replacement.
(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Since then, multiple sources, including Matt Barlow (Daily Mail) and Alasdair Gold (YouTube channel) have claimed that Tottenham could reignite their interest in the 24-year-old when the transfer window reopens in January.
Meanwhile, Football Insider claimed a couple of weeks ago that the South Coast club could be forced to sell the centre-back on a cut-price deal as the player’s contract at the club runs out next summer and he has not shown an inclination to sign a new deal.
Lloyd Kelly opens up on his start to the season
The centre-back has now admitted that he is ready to put the events of the summer behind him and focus on playing at his best.
Kelly told BBC Radio Solent: “I think looking back at the start of the season, I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a bit of an up and down ride. But I’m here and I want to play the best football that I can.
“I think that’s my goal for this season, to be consistent in my performances and play to where I know I can play. So for me, that’s my goal.”
The defender was even left out of Bournemouth’s matchday squad against Brentford as the speculation over his future was intensifying towards the closing stages of the transfer window.
When asked if he made the decision not to travel to Brentford, or if that was taken out of his hands, Kelly said: “I have nothing to say on that, really. I think that’s the past now. I’m looking into the future and it’s me focusing on the games ahead.”
When quizzed on his contract situation, the centre-back responded: “I’m just concentrating on playing football to the best that I can, and I think that’s all I can say on that. That’s where my head’s at. I want to be playing consistently and playing to the level where I can be.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Reading between the lines, it very much sounds like Kelly was keen to leave but Bournemouth blocked him from doing so on transfer deadline day. Spurs will undoubtedly try again to sign him on a cut-price deal in January, particularly given their lack of sufficient options in central defence.
Have something to tell us about this article?
