EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Tosin Adarabioyo is leaving Fulham this summer but he has not yet agreed terms with Newcastle as Premier League quartet Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, West Ham and Liverpool remain in the mix.
Despite some suggestions earlier on Wednesday that the out-of-contract centre-half was on the verge of joining Eddie Howe’s side on a free transfer, HITC have been told that nothing has been finalised at this stage.
Newcastle are interested – The Magpies have been in the market for a new right-sided centre-half for a while – but sources close to the North East outfit have stressed to us that an agreement with Tosin Adarabioyo is not close as things stand.
As such, a fleet of other top-flight clubs with an interest in the one-time Man City youngster cannot be counted out. Tottenham remain in contention, room in Ange Postecoglou’s roster for a player like Tosin following the January departure of Eric Dier to Bayern Munich.
Tosin Adarabioyo is leaving Fulham this summer
It is understood that Liverpool are also admirers of the 6ft 4ins colossus, potentially with the possible departure of Joel Matip in mind. There is also interest from Bournemouth, West Ham and Manchester United.
The Red Devils’ new technical director – Jason Wilcox – knows Tosin well from their time down the road at City, where the former England under 19 international spent 17 years. Tosin joined Fulham back in 2020 for a bargain fee of just £1.5 million, and has proven to be outstanding value for money ever since.
Still developing and improving at the age of 26, Tosin’s 6ft 5ins frame makes him a genuine aerial powerhouse at both ends of the pitch, scoring twice in the current Premier League campaign. Tosin is also excellent with the ball at his feet, those trademark diagonals likely to appeal to managers such as Postecoglou and Arne Slot – expected to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool – who build their gameplan upon the foundations of heavy possession.
Newcastle United in race but nothing agreed yet
“He is a key player for us,” Fulham boss Marco Silva told TNT Sport in December. “He is one of the leaders in our dressing room. Tosin is a special player for us, I can’t hide that situation.
“The way he can defend the box but also on the ball, he is a special player for me, the way I want to play, the way he can build (from the back).”
Tosin was left out of Fulham’s squad for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace after it emerged that he would not be extending a contract which expires in July.
Italian giants Roma and AC Milan are also chasing Tosin. Interestingly, both clubs have enjoyed success when signing English centre-halves from the Premier League, Chris Smalling excelling at the former while Fikayo Tomori became a Serie A champion with the Rossoneri.
Newcastle, meanwhile, are also keen on Bournemouth’s vice-captain Lloyd Kelly, who’s contract is also expiring.