United ready to ‘hijack’ PL rival’s pursuit of former City star who’s available for free this summer

Newcastle United are reportedly closing in on an agreement with soon-to-be-free agent Tosin Adarabioyo of Fulham, who has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United over the past month.

As such, the Red Devils are looking to ‘hijack’ (talkSPORT) their rival’s pursuit and strike up a deal of their own by speaking with Adarabioyo’s representatives at the end of the term.

The Magpies progressed in negotiations over the weekend, with Eddie Howe adamant about welcoming Adaabioyo to St. James’ Park as his first acquisition of the summer.

However, United’s newly sought technical director, Jason Wilcox, worked with the Englishman during his early stages of development at Manchester City’s academy and is keen on a reunion as he sifts through his first orders of business in the club hierarchy.

AC Milan are also believed to be throwing themselves in the mix of interested sides, yet it remains to be seen which venture the 26-year-old would prefer, having spent four years with Fulham and the entirety of his career in England.

Defensive reinforcements crucial this summer

On Tuesday afternoon, United announced that stalwart defender Raphael Varane will be departing Old Trafford when his contract expires in June. He will leave an experienced and versatile void at the heart of the backline, so you can expect to see plenty of centre-halves linked with the club over the coming weeks.