Lloyd Kelly could become Liverpool’s next Joe Gomez with January move

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Over the weekend it was reported that Bristol City defender Lloyd Kelly is being tracked by a number of Premier League clubs. According to The Sun, Liverpool have sent scouts to watch Kelly and are considering a January move. They will have Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham for competition.

The 6ft 3ins England under-21 international has thrived at left-back this season, taking over after the sales of both Joe Bryan and Hordur Magnusson at Ashton Gate.

However, as the report states, his long-term future is seen as a pacey central defender, rather than a left-back.

Sound familiar Liverpool fans?

It certainly has similarities with current Liverpool first-teamer Joe Gomez. The England international arrived at the club Charlton Athletic, then in the Championship, back in 2015 for a fee reported by Sky Sports to be in the region of £3.5 million.

He arrived with a fine reputation at right-back but many suggesting he would be a central defender long-term. That has certainly proven to be the case. The youngster has been sublime at the heart of defence this season, up until breaking his leg against Burnley at the weekend.

“Physically in the Championship, Lloydy is 6ft 3in, but he looks a bit slight. But if you see him at his own level he looks an absolute beast. That athleticism, his height, and even his chest now – we have spent a lot of money making sure he gets the right nutrition and the right supplements and you can really see that coming to fruition now.”

– Bristol City boss Lee Johnson on Lloyd Kelly

Liverpool could certainly do the same with Kelly. Likely to be available at a decent price and with hopes of an England future at centre-back, he could be the next Gomez but from the other side of the defence.

Having both young talents capable of partnering Virgil van Dijk long-term would certainly be an option that gives Liverpool stability and versatility at the back for years to come.