Liverpool Reportedly Interested in Bristol Defender Lloyd Kelly

With Alberto Moreno expected to depart Liverpool in the summer at the latest, the club being linked with a defensive replacement or two was always on the cards, and those who keep an eye on Bristol City think their Lloyd Kelly is a top target.

The 20-year-old left footer is that club’s most promising youngster, and his ability to play at either fullback or in the centre of defence has led to comparisons with Joe Gomez, another young defender Liverpool pulled from a lower league side.

Add it all up, and it’s easy to see why Bristol Live believe that Liverpool are his most likely destination—with Manchester United and Tottenham also said to be possibilities. There has even been some suggestion a January move could be possible.

Assuming Liverpool’s interest is legitimate, that would depend on Moreno’s status and whether any other clubs begin to move for Kelly. If Moreno wants to stay out the season and the latter doesn’t happen, a move for Kelly now would be unlikely.

As to his future more generally, Bristol appear to have accepted that he will move on, with his current contract running through the summer of 2021 and the only real question when and not if the promising youngster takes a massive step up.

“Of course there is,” Bristol manager Lee Johnson said when asked about rumours of Premier League interest in Kelly. “Twenty years old, playing for England, and can play multiple positions. Whether someone pushes the button is a different matter.

“The big thing for him is keeping his feet on the ground. People are writing articles all over the shop. Some of them are true, some of them are not true. It’s tough for him [but] he’s done great.”