‘The noise around him’ - Fulham drop major Tosin Adarabioyo transfer hint amid Newcastle United links

Marco Silva has dismissed suggestions that transfer speculation forced Tosin Adarabioyo to miss last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.

Newcastle United are rumoured to be one of several Premier League clubs chasing the defender. Adarabioyo’s contract expires this summer and he is understood to be against penning an extension.

FFP/PSR restrictions mean the Magpies must box cleverly and signing a proven top-flight defender for nothing would be considered shrewd business. Ahead of Fulham’s trip across London to Brentford, manager Silva conceded the 26-year-old may be on the move this summer.

“My decision (to leave him out last weekend) was a technical decision,” he told reporters. “I know all the noise around himself and his future. I have been speaking to him, I have a close relationship with him like all the players.

“Everything has been clear between myself and him. And from him to me and my staff as well. If he is available to be in the squad, he will be in the squad. Nothing changed from last week when the news started to come that he won’t be with us next season. I know what he told me and I prefer to keep that between us.

“It is a decision from the player, apart from that, Tosin is ready to play and be in the squad if I decide for him to be there. Tosin has to be clear about his future when he decides to be clear about his future. 

“He has to talk about it, of course, we are here to try and prepare as best we can for the future of the football club. We haven’t hid the situation of trying to renew with him, like other players.”