Newcastle United have been hit with injury after injury this season but Eddie Howe must be feeling that there is some kind of curse on his defenders.
The Magpies were one of the sternest defences around last year but that same stubbornness hasn’t been there this term.
Injuries have been a key factor though and two Newcastle centre backs have recently suffered major injuries.
Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles have both suffered torn ACL’s and face many months on the sidelines.
Fabian Schar has managed to start every Premier League game this season but even he suffered an arm injury in February.
The long-term injuries to Botman and Lascelles mean Newcastle must sign another defender this summer.
It’s unclear just how much Newcastle have to spend but two free agents are now wanted at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United want Tosin Adarabioyo
iNews report that Newcastle are now interested in signing Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
The former Manchester City talent is out of contract this summer and has so far shown no indication that he would sign a new deal.
Newcastle are now looking Adarabioyo, no doubt attracted to his status as a free agent.
That could help Newcastle in terms of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, but free agents tend to command higher wages and signing-on fees.
‘Free transfers’ aren’t really free, something Newcastle will be aware of as they join the race for the giant centre back’s signature.
Hailed as a ‘special player’ by Fulham boss Marco Silva, Adarabioyo has developed into a solid Premier League defender.
Adarabioyo is tall, athletic, relatively cheap and still has plenty of potential at 26, meaning Newcastle will not be alone in the race.
Who else wants Adarabioyo?
Tottenham Hotspur have long been linked with Adarabioyo and were looking at him last summer.
Reports in December suggested that Adarabioyo would fancy a move to Tottenham and Spurs are still lurking.
Liverpool are now interested too and are weighing up a move for Adarabioyo, possibly viewing him as a long-term replacement for Joel Matip.
TEAMtalk add that West Ham United are offering a lucrative deal to Adarabioyo in the hope that he will pick a move to East London.
That leaves the race for Adarabioyo fairly crowded and Newcastle must now decide whether to make a move of their own as Adarabioyo nears the end of his deal.
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