Newcastle United will want to enjoy a fast start to the summer transfer window, and are already in ‘pole position’ to land one of their top targets.
The Magpies are expected to tap into the free agent market as they look to boost their defensive ranks, with Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles suffering from ACL injuries. That has led to Newcastle United targeting Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo, both of which will be available on free transfers very soon.
Their contracts at Bournemouth and Fulham are expiring, with Toon officials looking to bring both of them to St James’ Park.
All the talk appears to be about Tosin at the minute, with the 26-year-old keen to play for Eddie Howe and move to the North East.
Newcastle United lead the race to sign Tosin Adarabioyo
This all sounds very promising for Newcastle United, but there is also a chance that Manchester United could swoop in. They are also interested in the centre-back, but TBR Football insider Graeme Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys why it is Newcastle United that are still in the driving seat.
“Newcastle are in pole position,” he said.
“That’s coming from the player’s side of things. Newcastle can offer him a start next season, and that is one of the main things. That gives Newcastle a foot up on other teams.
“I think Manchester United possibly could [offer him a starting role], so they should be treated as serious contenders for him. Jason Wilcox does have that history with him. There is a proper relationship with him and Tosin. I do consider them a real threat.
“When Newcastle were briefing a few weeks ago, I think they went a bit strong. Newcastle are still the favourites, and Man United do have an issue that they can’t offer Tosin any assurances at the minute because they don’t know who the manager is going to be. It will be interesting to see whether Tosin waits until after the cup final, which I think is distinctly possible.”
Tough decision between Newcastle and Manchester United for Tosin
With the situation regarding the manager at Man Untied still unclear, it gives Newcastle an advantage. While Tosin does not know whether or not he would get regular minutes at Old Trafford, he seems to have been given assurances that it is much more likely at St James’ Park.
But Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that it will not be easy for Tosin to oust Fabian Schar from the starting XI, which could mean he has a difficult decision to make.
“It’s a tough one,” he added.
“Will he see more first-team football at Newcastle? Possibly, but we should not underestimate Fabian Schar. If Schar starts the season well, he’s not going to be an easy man to move.
“It’s going to be a close call, it really is.”
Newcastle transfer is surely more appealing
Newcastle are looking for a long-term replacement for Schar, who is 32-years-old. They will hope that the ‘special‘ Tosin can be just that, even if he does not replace the Swiss defender immediately. But he will surely be given assurances that the right-sided centre-back role will eventually be his if he proves himself, which should be enough incentive to sign on the dotted line with Newcastle.
In contrast, Man United’s direction is less clear. We do not know who their manager will be next season, while their new project is still in its infancy. A move to Old Trafford would be more of a risk for Tosin, which seems baffling to say – but it is true.
The hope was that Newcastle could prove to Tosin why a move to Tyneside was better than joining the Red Devils on Wednesday night, but that was not how things played out. The Magpies recorded a dismal result, although their poor defensive efforts could perhaps given Tosin more confidence than ever that he can be a starter for Eddie Howe!
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