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First Team

Kelly signs for Cherries

AFC Bournemouth have completed the signing of England Under-21 international Lloyd Kelly.

The highly-rated 20-year-old arrives from Bristol City for an undisclosed fee and has put pen to paper on a long-term deal at Vitality Stadium.

Kelly, a left-sided defender who is comfortable at either full-back or centre-half, came through the ranks at Ashton Gate before making his first team debut in August 2017.

He made 48 appearances for Bristol City, scoring two goals, and has three caps for the Young Lions since his bow last November.

“It's a fantastic club. The move has come around quite quickly, but I'm happy to be here and can't wait to start playing,” Kelly told afcbTV.

"Premier League football is what I've always wanted to achieve. I want to play as many games as possible and I feel like this is the right place for me to try and do that." 

AFC Bournemouth manager, Eddie Howe, said: “Lloyd is an exciting talent and a player of real potential, while at the same time already possessing good experience for someone so young.

“He is athletic, versatile, physically excellent and has a very bright future ahead of him.

“I’m delighted that we have been able to strike so early in the summer and look forward to working with Lloyd during the coming seasons.”

AFC Bournemouth chief executive, Neill Blake, said: “I’m delighted to complete the transfer of Lloyd.

“Over the last few years we have secured some of the brightest homegrown, young players in the game and believe we have done so again with Lloyd.

“There was interest in him from a number of other clubs so it was important to make a move early, and under the tutelage of Eddie Howe I believe Lloyd will be an excellent addition to the squad."