Newcastle United transfer U-turn as agreement reached & medical arranged

Newcastle United have missed out on signing Tosin Adarabioyo after Chelsea hijacked their move for the out-of-contract defender.

As early as last week, the Magpies were clear frontrunners to sign the Fulham centre-back after tabling an offer last month. Adarabioyo was understood be impressed by Eddie Howe and the club’s project.

However, Chelsea’s approach caused the move to stall. And over the weekend, the 26-year-old decided to accept the Blues’ offer. He is due to undergo his medical and pen a long-term contract when he returns from holiday this week.

While Chelsea are believed to have offered a bigger wage package, sources in West London claim Adarabioyo is keen to work with incoming manager Enzo Maresca. The pair have an understanding of how each other work from their respective spells at Manchester City.

With Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles sidelined until later this year with ACL injuries, Adarabioyo would have likely been a starter for Newcastle. At Chelsea, he faces high competition from Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are expected to secure a deal for AFC Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly. The 25-year-old is out-of-contract on June 30 and has already informed the Cherries of his decision to leave.

The former England under-21s international, who can operate at centre-back or left-back, was signed by Eddie Howe from Bristol City in 2019. He has appeared 141 times for the South Coast and was captain when they were promoted back to the Premier League in 2021-22.