DONE DEAL: Newcastle United close in on second summer signing of a Premier League ‘star’ defender on a free transfer, after triggering £28m clause

DONE DEAL: Newcastle United close in on second summer signing of a Premier League ‘star’ defender on a free transfer,

after triggering £28m clause

 

The front-runners to sign the Premier League defender for nothing are Newcastle United.

Nearing completion is Newcastle United’s second summer acquisition.

Magpies head coach Eddie Howe has gone to the free agent market to assist further improve his

defense after inking Lewis Hall to a permanent £28 million deal.

 

A breakthrough is reportedly imminent, with United emerging as the front-runner to acquire Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

 

The 26-year-old’s contract expires this summer, and he recently rejected the most recent offer from the Cottagers.

In fact, after leaving the center back off the roster for the last three games,

manager Marco Silva is already preparing for life without him.

 

Adarabioyo, who has made 132 appearances overall for Fulham, most certainly played his final game there.

Adarabioyo joined Craven Cottage in 2020, having progressed through Manchester City’s development system.

 

The ball-playing defender has been linked to a number of teams, including West Ham United,

Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur. However, based on recent discussions,

Newcastle appears to be leading the race.

According to Mail Sport, Adarabioyo has been impressed by Howe and the proposal that has been offered to him,

and he values Newcastle’s ambition.

 

Meanwhile, defender Lloyd Kelly of AFC Bournemouth, whose contract expires at the end of the current campaign,

is still a target for the Magpies.

 

Kelly, who was acquired by Howe from Bristol City in 2019, has made 140 appearances for the Cherries.

In 2021–2022, he captained the team during their return to the Premier League.

 

However, there are plenty of possible suitors for the 25-year-old,

as West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in signing him.

 

Earlier this month, Howe told NewcastleWorld, in response to a question regarding the free agent:

“We’re exploring every market.”

We should do anything that we feel will help us. We’re considering all of our options and themes,

not just the free transfer market in isolation. In my opinion, it’s not exclusive.

 

“We’re trying to do good business. We’re not trying to excessively spend money, that’ll be the same as long as I’m here.

looking for players we feel that are worth the money that clubs potentially put on their heads.

But as I say, it’s not exclusive to any theme, we’re always looking for good deals.

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