Aston Villa eyeing move for Juventus’ Lloyd Kelly | OneFootball

Aston Villa are weighing up a move for Juventus defender Lloyd Kelly as Unai Emery looks to strengthen his defensive options, according to TuttoJuve.

The Villains are among the sides monitoring the English centre-back, whose future is uncertain despite an improved run of performances towards the end of last season.

His club is open to offers, and Villa could be in front of the queue for his signature. He is open to returning to the Premier League.

However, Aston Villa are not alone in the race to snap up the centre-back, with Leeds United and Newcastle United also pushing to sign him.

Meanwhile, several other Premier League and La Liga clubs are keeping tabs on the situation.

Kelly moved to Italy in 2025 and endured a difficult start to life in Serie A, but he finished the campaign in stronger form.

Comfortable at both centre-back and left-back, he would offer Emery valuable depth across the back line if Villa decide to formalise their interest.

Central defence is not Villa’s top priority this summer, but the club is willing to pounce when quality players become available at the right price.

If Kelly comes to Villa Park, he would be an ideal successor for Tyrone Mings. He is a ‘calm yet powerful presence at the heart of defence’.

The experienced defender has been an outstanding servant to the club, but injuries over recent years have raised questions about his long-term role in Emery’s squad.

Kelly’s profile makes him a logical replacement. Like Mings, he is left-footed, physically imposing and comfortable defending in wide areas.

He also possesses the mobility required to play in Emery’s aggressive defensive system.

He is entering his prime and could be a fantastic pick-up as he knows the demands of the Premier League.

Kelly can provide competition for Pau Torres in the centre-half role and deputise for Ian Maatsen and Lucas Digne at left-back.

It is a move that makes sense at the right price.