Liverpool identify Dejan Lovren’s replacement

Liverpool are reportedly set to return to their former target as they are interested in Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly following the departure of Dejan Lovren to Zenit Saint Petersburg.

After six seasons of service at Anfield Lovren departed to join Zenit Saint Petersburg earlier this week, and Jurgen Klopp is now on the look-out for his replacement.

While Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are expected to be the first-choice centre-backs again next season, the Reds are in need of cover for the position, particularly given the hectic schedule which next season will bring.

And according to The Express, Kelly is one of the options Liverpool are considering, with the player also able to fill in at left-back.

Kelly was linked with Liverpool before his move to the Cherries last summer.

The newly-crowned Premier League champions were alerted to Kelly’s potential after the youngster broke into Bristol City’s first-team back in 2017 but were beaten to his signature by Bournemouth last summer.

The Cherries wrapped up a £13million deal for Kelly and Eddie Howe has backed the 21-year-old to ‘go right to the top’ despite a frustrating debut season at the Vitality Stadium plagued by ankle, thigh and hamstring problems.

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