Newcastle United are growing increasingly confident that they will win the race for Tosin Adarabioyo, sources have confirmed to HITC.
The Fulham central defender has emerged one of the most sought after free agents on the market this summer and he has field offers and held talks with a number of clubs.
Tottenham Hotspur have long been regarded as leading the chase for the 26-year-old, but in recent weeks Newcastle have stepped up their interest.
Newcastle are actively pursuing the free agent market with talks also progressing with Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly. If they can land some of their top targets for nothing, that would then enable them to focus their summer kitty on other positions – including a right-sided forward.
Newcastle offering Tosin Adarabioyo first-team football
Sources with knowledge of the situation have told HITC that Adarabioyo is not going to just accept the biggest deal on offer but wants to play at his next club, or at least the opportunity to.
Newcastle are offering him that chance, and that is believed to be key in their pursuit of the former Manchester City trainee.
HITC is told that Adarabioyo has yet to agree terms with Newcastle – or any club – but the North East clubs are ‘confident’ of landing him.
Bolstering their central defensive options is seen as key by Newcastle this summer and was a position they were targeting even before Sven Botman and captain Jamal Lascelles suffered long-term knee injuries which means neither will start the next Premier League season.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was quizzed on their interest in Adarabioyo and Kelly, and he refused to rule out trying to land the pair.
“We’re exploring every market. Everything that we can that we feel benefits us,” he admitted ahead of the weekend’s clash with Brighton.
“We’re not necessarily looking at the free transfer market in isolation, we’re looking at every option and every theme. I wouldn’t say it’s exclusive.
“Yeah, of course, 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.
“We’re 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.”
The post Newcastle closing on leading free agent, promise of regular playing time set to clinch decision appeared first on HITC.