Newcastle United hijack claim as contract offered to Manchester United transfer target

Chelsea are trying to snatch Tosin Adarabioyo from under Newcastle United’s noses, according to reports.

Toon chiefs are locked in negotiations with the Fulham defender - whose contract expires next month. Adarabioyo has already signalled his desire to leave Craven Cottage after four years.

Newcastle are understood to be closing in on making the 26-year-old their first summer signing. Central defence is a vulnerable area in Eddie Howe’s squad due to long-term injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles.

FFP/PSR restrictions mean the Magpies must be shrewd with their business and signing Adarabioyo, a Manchester City academy product, on a free transfer is a no-brainer. But Sky Sports News claim Chelsea are attempting to hijack Newcastle’s move by also offering a contract.

The Blues also need centre-back reinforcements after letting veteran international Thiago Silva leave. Wesley Fofana has been injured for two seasons since joining from Leicester City - leaving Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile as first-team options.

European football may give Chelsea an upper hand, with Mauricio Pochettino’s men pipping Newcastle to the Conference League. That was not enough for the Argentine to keep his job and the managerial hunt is a more pressing issue at Stamford Bridge.

Reports Adarabioyo has held positive talks with Newcastle and is keen on working under Howe. Manchester United are another Premier League club linked with a late move.