Newcastle United pushing to seal second summer signing this week — linked with Liverpool & Spurs

Newcastle United remain confident of completing at least one free agent deal, despite missing out on Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

Eddie Howe’s side were in pole position to sign Adarabioyo before Chelsea hijacked the move last week. The 26-year-old is now due to undergo his medical in the coming days before penning a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge.

The Magpies are looking to bolster their defence this summer after losing Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles to ACL injuries, ruling the pair out until later this year. And while Adarabioyo’s decision to join Chelsea comes as a blow, talks have continued to progress with AFC Bournemouth centre-back Lloyd Kelly.

The 25-year-old’s contract expires on June 30 and he has already informed the Cherries of their decision to leave. Kelly has previously attracted interest from Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur but according to the Daily Telegraph, Newcastle will attempt to get a deal over the line this week.

The former England under-21s international, who can operate at centre-back or left-back, is well known to Eddie Howe having signed him for £13million from Bristol City in 2019. He has appeared 141 times for the South Coast outfit and was captain when they were promoted back to the Premier League in 2021-22.

Acquiring a player of Kelly’s quality - when fit - and experience on a free transfer is a positive move in line with Premier League Profitability of Sustainability Rules (PSR). It will allow United to focus on using their transfer budget to strengthen other positions.

Part of that budget will go towards signing Lewis Hall on a permanent basis. The 19-year-old spent the 2023-24 season on loan from Chelsea but Newcastle are understood to have triggered the performance-related criteria that activates a permanent switch for an initial £28m.