Chelsea have registered an interest in Tosin Adarabioyo as they ponder whether to hijack Newcastle United’s proposed move for the Fulham defender.
Newcastle hope to kickstart their summer business with a double move for Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly and fellow free agent Adarabioyo, and have made good progress on both deals.
The club will announce their retained list shortly but need to sign cover for Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman, who will miss significant portions of next season with serious injuries.
i understands that the club hope Kelly – who ticks the versatility box that Newcastle are looking for across their recruitment drive – will sign a long-term deal with the player set to depart Bournemouth shortly.
But the highly-rated Adarabioyo retains interest from elsewhere, and i understands Chelsea are one of a clutch of Premier League clubs to hold talks with the 26-year-old in recent days as he considers his next move.
Newcastle’s move for Adarabioyo made “concrete” progress last week and he has been enthusiastic about linking up with Eddie Howe.
But the player has rival interest from Manchester United and managerless Chelsea, whose transfer committee are understood to rate the defender highly.
They are also traditionally higher payers than Newcastle, although the Magpies have loosened their wage structure in the PIF era and have made Adarabioyo what sources maintain is a “very competitive” offer.
Ultimately the decision may come down to the club that can offer the centre-back the best platform towards international recognition.
Both clubs are acutely aware of their profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) situation this summer and that makes Adarabioyo – who will be available on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of next month – a hugely attractive option.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are out of the running to appoint Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna – with sources telling i that the 38-year-old remains the favourite to take the Brighton job.
i understands that Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca and Roberto De Zerbi, who left Brighton at the end of the season, are now front-runners for the role. Brentford’s Thomas Frank has also been linked with the vacancy at Stamford Bridge.
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/UC0bleQ
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