Nottingham Forest Eye Lloyd Kelly as Potential Murillo Replacement

Nottingham Forest are monitoring Lloyd Kelly’s potential availability this summer, as they look to guard against finding themselves exposed if Murillo is lured away at the end of the season, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal. 

After moving to Juventus on loan from Newcastle United, Kelly joined the Turin-based giants on a permanent basis 10 months ago. 

Although he is under contract until 2029, the 27-year-old could face an uncertain future if the notoriously unpredictable Luciano Spalletti decides to overhaul his squad following another underwhelming Serie A campaign at Juventus Stadium.

And that, combined with the Premier League experience he gleaned with both AFC Bournemouth and the Magpies has seen Forest add Kelly’s name to a list of potential replacements for their sought-after Brazilian. 

A consistently effective performer, Murillo has emerged as one of the most highly-wanted defenders in England’s top-flight despite his team’s perilous position in the table. 

Evengelos Marinakis, Forest’s owner, is expected to drive a hard bargain if either Chelsea, Manchester United or Kelly’s former club Newcastle decide to test his resolve to keep a hold of one of the City Ground’s most prized assets. 

However, if the price is right, the Greek could be tempted to sell if Kelly is allowed to leave Italy.

Kelly A Forest Fancy

For his part, despite being happy in Piedmont, the central defender remains keen to return home at some stage of his career after heading to Europe following a frustrating spell at St James’ Park.

Capped 10-times by England at under-21 level, Kelly also harbours ambitions of earning a senior international call-up under Thomas Tuchel once the World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico is over.

Having progressed through the youth programme at his hometown club Bristol City, Kelly then made nearly 150 appearances for The Cherries after switching to the south coast before joining Newcastle on a free transfer. 

After failing to command a regular starting role under Eddie Howe, Juventus persuaded him to head abroad midway through last term, with his displays convincing them to sign him for an estimated fee of around £15m.