Bristol City could be in line for a cash windfall should Newcastle follow up their interest in Bournemouth skipper Lloyd Kelly.
The former Robins academy product remains an option for Eddie Howe as he looks to make the most of the Toons' takeover money and make big-name signings this summer.
According to the Atheltic, Kelly remains one of the names on Howe's transfer wishlist and the club informally made an enquiry to the Cherries to determine his value this summer. However, were left 'staggered' by their valuation of the player.
Although the report doesn't quote the fee, Bournemouth's asking price for the central defender is around £50million. Their promotion to the Premier League means Scott Parker is under no pressure to sell one of their main assets.
Whether Howe plays the long game over the summer in his pursuit of Kelly remains to be seen but he is certainly a fan of the player having signed him for Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2019 for £13.5m. Newcastle also made an enquiry to Bournemouth during the January transfer window.
City will be watching the developments closely if the transfer is to gather traction. Bristol Live understands former CEO Mark Ashton installed a sell-on clause in Kelly's contract which means City will be entitled to around 20 per cent of profit and given the defender is an academy product, all that money will go to the Robins.
So, a £50m sale from Bournemouth to Newcastle will be worth around £7.3m to the club, based on Kelly's original sale fee of £13.5 - less the various add-ons that have since been met. Kelly made 48 appearances for City across two seasons following his rise through the youth ranks.
Considering City's financial predicament, the cash would prove hugely beneficial to Nigel Pearson who previously admitted he has no money to spend this summer. His stance would later change by admitting there might be a small amount available at his disposal but he will be working on a tight budget unless money is raised through player departures.
Mark Sykes, Kal Naismith and Kane Wilson all on free transfers have proved frugal business but Pearson still wants to bring in at least two more players - a central defender and a defensive midfielder. A new striker may also be on the agenda.
City are likely to raise money through Han-Noah Massengo if the young midfielder leaves this summer. The club will also be keeping an eye on Josh Brownhill this summer with the club including a similar sell-on clause in his deal when he left for Burnley in a £9m deal in January 2020.
The midfielder is expected to leave Turf Moor this summer following their relegation to the Championship. He was one of their standout players last season and West Ham have reportedly shown an interest.
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