After Lloyd Kelly, Newcastle United are now ‘closing in’ on another signing

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Newcastle United seem to be doing all they can to enjoy a fast start to the summer transfer window, with two deals lined up.

It has been reported this week that a transfer for Lloyd Kelly could be finalised in the coming days, with Newcastle United closing in on a deal to sign the 25-year-old centre-back from Bournemouth.

That would be a great bit of business, with the Magpies using the free agent market to reunite Eddie Howe with a player he signed as Bournemouth manager back in 2019.

But as Newcastle close in on that deal, it does not appear that Toon officials are resting on their laurels.

It was reported last week that the Magpies were the favourites to sign Tosin Adarabioyo, with the Fulham defender preferring a move to the North East over Manchester United.

Positive update emerges regarding Tosin Adarabioyo to Newcastle United

Now a further update has emerged, as Newcastle United close in on a deal to sign a player who Pep Guardiola rates very highly.

According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle United are on the brink of completing a deal to sign Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer.

It has been reported that the 26-year-old is interested in working with Eddie Howe, and it looks like he is going to get that chance. Hope has stated on X that progress has been made over a deal, with completion possibly on the horizon in the next few days.

Hope wrote on X: “NUFC are closing in on free transfer signing of Tosin Adarabioyo. Progress made this week and, barring any late hitches, deal should be finalised in London in coming days.”

Newcastle acting fast to get the defensive cover they need

The Premier League season only came to an end on Sunday, but Newcastle United are not wasting any time. They appear to be pressing ahead with deals for Kelly and Tosin, as they look to solve their centre-back issues as soon as possible.

Their arrivals will mean that Newcastle have proper cover at the heart of defence, which is vital given the injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles. They could both be out of action for the rest of 2024 due to ACL injuries.

We have seen Emil Krafth slot in at centre-back during their absence, but now Newcastle are going to have proper out-and-out centre-backs as cover next season. That is vital, and it appears that Newcastle want the defensive duo whether they are in the Europa Conference League or not. They will discover their fate on Saturday when Manchester City face Manchester United in the FA Cup final.

The signing of Tosin will be a real coup. Initially, he always looked less likely than Kelly, given the fact that Kelly has a history with Howe. On top of that, Tosin had plenty of other suitors.

But it looks like Newcastle United are going to win the race, and the club will hope that he is capable of being Sven Botman’s long-term partner in the future. However, that will first mean replacing Fabian Schar in the starting XI, which is easier said than done.