NEWCASTLE have reached an agreement to sign Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer, according to reports.

The Toon are set to retool this summer as Eddie Howe plots a route back to the top four next season.

They are set to begin their business early with the acquisition of Bournemouth ace Kelly.

According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Newcastle will sign the defender upon the conclusion of his Cherries contract in June.

Kelly, 25, joined Bournemouth from Bristol City under Howe back in 2019.

He has gone on to play 139 times for the Cherries, but has opted to leave this summer.

Newcastle will hope that their new signing will add plenty of versatility, given his ability to play at centre-back or left-back.

Kelly has endured an injury-hit season this time around.

He has suffered with calf, hamstring and hip injuries.

These have limited him to just 21 Premier League outings this term.

Newcastle faced plenty of competition for Kelly.

Tottenham had a £20million bid rejected for him last summer.

While AC Milan also showed an interest.

As they plot their summer business, Newcastle are also keen on Freiburg star Merlin Rohl.

But SunSport exclusively revealed last week that Everton are currently leading the race for the 21-year-old midfielder.