Chelsea are reportedly set to sign Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, with the Blues now believed to be ahead of fellow Premier League side Newcastle United.
The Fulham defender, set to become a free agent by month’s end, also has interest from Manchester United.
According to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are closing in on a deal, with negotiations at an advanced stage.
The 26-year-old is expected to become the first signing under new manager Enzo Maresca, who is close to agreeing a long-term deal with the London club following the sack of Mauricio Pochettino last month.
Maresca is set to be unveiled as Chelsea’s next head coach shortly. The club’s lawyers are working to finalise paperwork for the 44-year-old and his backroom staff. Chelsea will pay Leicester City around £10m in compensation for the Italian.
The arrival of Adarabioyo could see defender Trevoh Chalobah leave the club, with the Englishman valued at £25m; despite Thiago Silva leaving the club at the end of last season.
