Lloyd Kelly closer to Premier League return as three clubs push

Lloyd Kelly is moving closer to a Premier League return, with Aston Villa, Leeds United and Everton all showing concrete interest in the Juventus defender.

The 27-year-old is open to moving back to England after a season in which he played 44 matches for Juventus, while the Serie A club are prepared to sell if the right offer arrives.

According to Tutto Juve, a return to the Premier League is now considered the most realistic outcome. Juventus initially valued Kelly at €35 million but could accept around €30m as they look to avoid a prolonged negotiation and raise funds for further summer business.

No club has yet been identified as Kelly’s preferred destination, leaving three Premier League sides with different attractions and different needs competing for the same player.

Aston Villa were linked with a move earlier this week before Leeds entered the picture. Everton have now joined them, turning Kelly’s situation into a genuine three-club race.

The interest comes only two years after the defender left English football.

Kelly joined Newcastle United on a free transfer from Bournemouth in 2024 but struggled to establish himself as a regular at St James’ Park. Juventus took him on loan in February 2025 before making the move permanent later that year.

His position in Turin is different now. Kelly played 3,947 minutes across 44 appearances last season, so this is not a case of Juventus simply trying to remove an unused player from the squad.

Instead, his sale could provide money for the club’s own recruitment plans under Luciano Spalletti.

That makes the asking price significant. Juventus are reportedly willing to move down from their original €35m valuation to around €30m, but they want a relatively quick agreement rather than weeks of negotiations.

Growing Premier League competition may help them get one.

Kelly has yet to indicate whether he prefers Aston Villa, Leeds or Everton, but Villa can offer something the other two cannot: Champions League football.

That could become important if all three clubs are prepared to meet Juventus’ conditions.

For Villa, Kelly would bring substantial Premier League experience as well as the ability to operate at centre-back or on the left side of defence. His workload last season also suggests he would arrive as a player ready to compete immediately rather than needing to rebuild after a year on the sidelines.

Leeds and Everton, though, can offer their own arguments. Both have shown concrete interest and may be able to present Kelly with a clearly defined role in their defensive plans.

The defender’s previous experience in England should also reduce some of the uncertainty that often comes with an overseas signing. He spent five years at Bournemouth before joining Newcastle and already understands the physical and tactical demands of the Premier League.

That helps explain why three clubs are prepared to explore the same deal.

Juventus are waiting for one of the three Premier League clubs to turn interest into an acceptable offer. With the price reportedly lowered to around €30m, negotiations could accelerate if Aston Villa, Leeds or Everton decide to move first.

Kelly’s preference may then become crucial. Villa have European football to offer, while Leeds and Everton will need to convince the defender through their sporting plans and the role available to him. For now, the growing competition has increased the chances of a return to England without producing a clear favourite.

Which club should Lloyd Kelly choose: Aston Villa, Leeds United or Everton?