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Report: Eddie Howe wants three reunions at Newcastle, including his record signing and £40m left-footed star

Will Butcher

Fri 12 November 2021 12:15, UK

Eddie Howe is looking at a triple reunion at Newcastle, in the form of Nathan Ake, Jefferson Lerma and Lloyd Kelly.

Howe, 43, has taken over from Steve Bruce at Newcastle and the immediate signs are incredibly positive. His work in training is already earning praise.

But with January approaching and no director of football in place as of yet, Howe might be tasked with identifying some players to bring in.

A new report claims Howe wants three players he had at Bournemouth – two of which are still at the Vitality Stadium with Scott Parker.

Kelly, 23, joined Bournemouth in 2019 but injury prevented him from playing in the Premier League. He has since starred for the Cherries.

Albeit, in the Championship. This season, he has captained Bournemouth in 10 of his side’s 17 league games – playing every single minute.

The versatile defender is one on Howe’s list, as is Lerma – Howe’s most expensive purchase at £25million (). Newcastle do need a midfielder.

Another on the list is one no longer at Bournemouth, after Ake joined Manchester City for £40million (). He is struggling for game time.

Ake, Lerma and Kelly: Which would suit Newcastle and Howe?

Steve Bruce wanted a centre-back and a midfielder in the summer and it appears Howe wants the same. Ciaran Clark is not good enough.

A left-footed centre-back, he needs replacing. Ake would be ideal, while Kelly gives Howe options at centre-back – or as a right-back and left-back.

In midfield, they require a bit of bite, a player to pick up a yellow card – but also offer a blanket in front of the back four. Lerma can do that.

Ake would be a stunning signing. Kelly is good, but is unproven in the Premier League. Lerma would be good, but might be expensive.