Newcastle United 'leading Tottenham Hotspur in race to sign Fulham defender'

Newcastle United are reportedly in pole position to sign Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo this summer.

The centre-back has made 132 competitive appearances since joining Fulham from Manchester City in the summer of 2020.

However, Adarabioyo is now expected to end his four-year stay at Craven Cottage, with his contract set to expire on June 30.

Fulham have failed in their attempts to renew his contract, leading Silva to admit that Adarabioyo will "probably" leave at the end of the season.

"There's been a lot of noise around Tosin," Silva told TNT Sports ahead of Saturday's 4-0 loss to Manchester City.

"Being honest, it's really difficult to renew with him. Probably at the end of the season, he's going to leave the club. Not 100%, but probably it's going to happen."

A recent report claimed that Tottenham had made contact with Adarabioyo's representatives over a potential free transfer.

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Newcastle in pole position to land Adarabioyo

However, according to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are leading the race to secure Adarabioyo's signature ahead of the 2024-25 season.

The report claims that Adarabioyo has been left impressed by Newcastle's ambition following positive discussions over the past week.

Adarabioyo is also said to be keen to work with Eddie Howe, having seen how he has improved players during his time as Newcastle boss.

The 26-year-old has also attracted interest from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool, but he appears to be heading towards a move to St James' Park.

Newcastle are seemingly keen to strengthen their backline, with Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles sidelined with long-term injuries.

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Newcastle still chasing Kelly

While they are favourites to sign Adarabioyo, Newcastle are still determined to sign another centre-back in the form of Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly.

Like Adarabioyo, the 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and is set to become available on a free transfer.

Newcastle have reportedly been in talks with Kelly for around three months as they try to fend off interest from the likes of Tottenham and West Ham United.

Kelly would prove to be a useful addition to the Magpies, having proven that he can operate as a left-back as well as a central defender.

The former England Under-21 international has featured in 140 matches since he joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2019.