NEWCASTLE United have reportedly “reached an agreement” to sign Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer.

The 25-year-old announced this week he will be departing Cherries following the expiry of his contract this summer.

Kelly, a £13million signing, made 141 appearances for Cherries across five seasons, scoring three goals.

The defender spent part of that time as captain, leading the team to promotion from the Championship under Scott Parker in 2021-22.

Gary O’Neil then stripped Kelly of the armband, instead passing it to goalkeeper Neto.

Kelly’s future has looked uncertain since, having a frosty relationship with fans at times, but he produced impressive performances, when fit, under Andoni Iraola.

Cherries rejected a £20million bid from Tottenham Hotspur for Kelly last summer and will now lose him for free, with Newcastle set to swoop, according to Mail Online.

Magpies boss Eddie Howe previously brought Kelly to Cherries from Bristol City in 2019.