Newcastle are close to agreeing personal terms with Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.
While the Magpies have seemingly made progress in securing the 26-year-old’s signature, Sheth did emphasise that the deal has not been completed:
“The information I have on the Tosin deal is that a lot of the contract between Newcastle and Tosin has been agreed, there are just a few bits that need ironing out.”
“I don’t think that will be the problem at all, but reaching an agreement with someone who is a free agent and the deal being done are two different things at the moment because he will have interest from a lot of other clubs.”
Newcastle do have major competition for Adarabioyo
It was reported earlier this week that Chelsea have also offered a contract to the former Manchester City player, who will leave Fulham when his current deal expires at the end of next month.
In addition to the Blues, Manchester United have been credited with an interest in Adarabioyo too, so Newcastle may have to wait patiently to find out which team he wants to join.
Money or first-team football?
It is more than likely that the likes of Chelsea and United will offer better salaries than the Magpies. Only five players in the first-team squad earn over £100,000 a week, which is in stark contrast to the wage bills of their rivals.
However, if Adarabioyo prioritises game time then a switch to St James’ Park should be his preference. With captain Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman sidelined with long-term injuries, the Fulham centre-back would be a guaranteed starter at the beginning of the new campaign. It’s unlikely that Chelsea or United will be able to offer him that.
