Lloyd Kelly's potential and the level he has been playing at makes him an appealing target for Eddie Howe and Newcastle United, believes transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Bournemouth defender is currently being linked with the Magpies in a move that would see him reunited with his former manager.

What is the latest news involving Kelly?

According to Football League World, Newcastle are interested in signing Kelly in the summer transfer window.

The same report states that the 23-year-old is a high-priority target for the Tyneside club after a stunning campaign with Bournemouth.

He has made over 30 appearances for the Cherries this season, playing a big role in their push for promotion, and has also captained the side on numerous occasions.

Kelly has been used as a centre-back in the current campaign; however, the Englishman can also play at left-back after making over 60 appearances there in his career.

Could Chelsea GO BUST?! Hear more on The Football Terrace...

What has Jones said about Kelly to Newcastle?

Jones thinks Kelly joining Newcastle makes sense given the Howe link, but the insider does not believe that is the only reason why the Premier League outfit will be after the ex-Bristol City man this summer.

He told GIVEMESPORT: "Obviously, Eddie Howe knows him very well, and it's not just that. It's the potential that he's got, the level he's already playing at."

How difficult will it be for Newcastle to sign Kelly?

Kelly is by no means a target that is out of sight for Newcastle, but bringing him in could be a tricky task.

If Bournemouth do get promoted this season, they will not want to lose their best defender going into the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

Given how Kelly has been performing, you would also expect there to be competition from other top-flight clubs for his signature.

The Championship star, who joined Bournemouth from Bristol City for £13m back in 2019, was thought to be on West Ham's January shortlist. Therefore, it would not be a surprise if they came in for him this summer and provided Newcastle with stiff competition.

With Howe knowing the player well, though, while Newcastle are now the richest outfit in football, the Magpies will fancy their chances.

It is an exciting project at St James' Park following that recent Saudi-backed takeover, so that may appeal to Kelly, especially if Bournemouth fail to win promotion back to the Premier League.

That, however, looks unlikely, so Newcastle are probably going to have to pay quite a bit of cash if they are to land Howe's former player in the upcoming window.