Newcastle have joined Tottenham, West Ham, Liverpool and AC Milan in the race to sign Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
The 26-year-old announced his intention to leave Craven Cottage last week despite being offered a lucrative contract extension that would make him one of the club’s top earners.
Adarabioyo is keen to compete at a higher level, and Newcastle have begun discussing bringing him to St James’ Park.
Newcastle are prioritising a central defensive signing this summer after two centre-backs, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, suffered anterior cruciate ligament injuries which will keep them both out for six to nine months.
The club are also limited by the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules and may be under pressure to sell either midfielder Bruno Guimaraes or striker Alexander Isak.
Adarabioyo represents one of the best free agents on the summer market and signing an additional winger is also believed to be in the club's plans.
Newcastle have been tipped as the frontrunners but Spurs, West Ham, Liverpool and Milan are all believed to be interested and no decision has yet been made about his future destination.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has made it clear he wants to reinforce his backline, while West Ham may need to replace Kurt Zouma or Nayef Aguerd amid interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.
Liverpool are preparing for life after Jurgen Klopp from the end of next month and veteran centre-back Joel Matip is expected to leave when his contract expires this summer.
Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly is also out of contract at the end of the season and is interesting a similar group of clubs.
With three matches left this season, Fulham manager Marco Silva recently hinted that Adarabioyo may have played his last game for the club.
“If we need him to play and if I decide for him to be on the pitch, he is going to be on the pitch,” Silva said after the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace. “It’s not the case that he’s not going to play anymore for Fulham.
“I’m looking at the present. I want to win football matches. I want to be as competitive as we can be. But at the same time, we have to prepare the future of the football club.”
Adarabioyo has played 131 times for the west Londoners since joining from Manchester City for £2million in 2020.
