Sunderland are interested in £17m defender who Scott Parker thinks is a ‘Rolls-Royce’
Sunderland’s summer spending spree is set to continue in the centre of defence.
The Black Cats are closing in on the signing of Getafe centre-back Omar Alderete for a fee in the range of £10million.
Alderete’s arrival would take Sunderland’s spending to over £125m spread over 11 players, as they look to prepare for their first season back in the Premier League since 2017.
However, even with the impending arrival of Alderete, Regis Le Bris’ hunt for defenders doesn’t appear to be over just yet.
Sunderland are interested in Juventus star Lloyd Kelly
Lloyd Kelly is the latest name to be linked with a move to the Stadium of Light this summer.
Kelly being linked will be a shock to supporters, given his connections to rivals Newcastle United.
The 26-year-old departed the Magpies for Juventus in January after six months on Tyneside, where he struggled to secure a regular starting spot.
Now it appears Juventus may be ready to get rid of Kelly, as La Gazzetta Dello Sport’s print edition (10 August, pg 8) has reported that Sunderland have made inquiries for the defender.
The Englishman has not asked to leave or hinted at wanting to leave Turin, but an attractive offer could see Juve cash in, as they look to raise funds for a move for Randal Kolo Muani.
The Old Lady are looking for between £15.5m and £17.3m to let the defender go.
Read more: Who is Pietro Comuzzo? Defender wanted by Sunderland and Man United
‘Rolls-Royce’ Kelly is a safer option than Alderete
Kelly has received high praise in the past, in particular from former boss Scott Parker.
Parker, now at Burnley, was manager of the Cherries for just over a year, and notably called the defender a “Rolls-Royce” after a victory at Cardiff in September 2021.
Parker said: “But an extra mention for Lloyd. An area of his game that he’s had to improve is that physicality side, obviously he’s a Rolls-Royce with the ball and covering space, he’s right up there and a top, top player.”
Possessing huge Premier League experience with both Bournemouth and Newcastle, Kelly brings a safer, more assured option than Alderete, whilst also bringing a ball-playing ability not many in the Sunderland squad have.
A move for the former Magpie may not go down well with fans initially, but could be crucial later down the line.
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