Transfer Centre

Transfer rumours: Lloyd Kelly to Newcastle United, Daichi Kamada to Crystal Palace, Kurt Zouma heading towards West Ham United exit

By Ben Sully | 03 June 2024

Transfer rumours: Kelly to Newcastle, Kamada to Palace, Zouma heading towards West Ham exit

Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer rumours, including Lloyd Kelly to Newcastle United, Daichi Kamada to Crystal Palace and a potential exit at West Ham United.

Newcastle United have reportedly stepped up their pursuit of Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly.

The Magpies are keen to strengthen their backline, with Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles both sidelined with long-term knee injuries.

Newcastle have been linked with potential moves for Bournemouth's Kelly and Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo, but the latter is now expected to join Chelsea on a free transfer.

Having seemingly lost the race to sign Adarabioyo, The Telegraph are reporting that Newcastle are stepping up their efforts to secure Kelly's signature.

The centre-back, who can also play on the left side of defence, has been attracting interest from clubs across Europe, with his Bournemouth contract set to expire at the end of the month.

Newcastle have already presented Kelly with an offer, and are hoping to make progress in contract negotiations to get a deal over the line this week.

The versatile defender is poised to leave Bournemouth after making 141 competitive appearances following his arrival from Bristol City in the summer of 2019.

Lazio's Daichi Kamada celebrates scoring their first goal on May 19, 2024 © Reuters

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have reportedly booked a medical to complete the signing of Japan international Daichi Kamada.

The midfielder scored two goals and provided two assists in 29 Serie A matches after joining Lazio on a free transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer.

Kamada looked set to extend his stay with the Italian club before talks over a new deal ultimately broke down, opening the door for Palace to pursue a potential summer move.

According to the Eveing Standard, the Eagles are on the verge of securing Kamada's signature, having scheduled a medical for later this week.

Providing any unforeseen circumstances, Kamada is set to reunite with Palace manager Oliver Glasner after the pair previously worked together at Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 27-year-old played a key role in Frankfurt's successful 2021-22 campaign, registering five goals and one assist on the way to helping the German club clinch the Europa League trophy.

Kamada tends to primarily operate as an attacking midfielder, but he has shown that he can drop into a traditional central-midfield role.

Freiburg's Manuel Gulde in action with West Ham United's Kurt Zouma on March 14, 2024 © Reuters

Elsewhere, West Ham United are reportedly prepared to sell Kurt Zouma if they receive a significant offer this summer.

Zouma is regarded as a senior member of the West Ham squad after being made club captain following Declan Rice's move to Arsenal last year.

However, Julen Lopetegui's appointment has seemingly led to speculation over Zouma's future, with the new manager set to make his mark on the squad ahead of the 2023-24 season.

According to Football Insider, the Hammers are willing to part ways with the Frenchman if they receive a suitable proposal.

Although they are not expected to push him out of the club, the Hammers are open to offers amid interest from the Saudi Pro League.

West Ham have allegedly already secured Fabricio Bruno's signature, and they are keen to recruit another defender, raising the possibility of Zouma being knocked down the pecking order.

They are looking to overhaul their backline after conceding 74 goals in 38 games to finish the 2023-24 season with the fourth-worst defensive record in the top flight.