Exclusive: Chelsea make a late move for defender Newcastle United were confident to sign

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that managerless Chelsea have made a late move to land Tosin Adarabioyo.

Newcastle United have been locked in talks and were confident of sealing his signature ahead of Manchester United – who have also shown an interest.

The 26-year-old, who helped Fulham to a 13th-placed finish, is set to be a free agent in July and a host of Premier League clubs have expressed interest in the ball-playing centre-back.

However, no deal has been signed with Eddie Howe’s Newcastle and HITC can now confirm Chelsea have made an approach.

HITC understands former boss Mauricio Pochettino was unsure about the move, but with his exit earlier this week…Chelsea have now made a move.

What Chelsea’s hierarchy think about Tosin Adarabioyo

Chelsea’s hierarchy believes Adarabioyo on a free could be an astute piece of business. He came through the Manchester City academy and has been a regular for Fulham this term.

Veteran Thiago Silva has departed and it has left a huge hole in Chelsea’s backline.

But the departures, in terms of centre-backs, might not stop there because Trevoh Chalobah, who was a key player for Pochettino when he returned from injury in February, could also depart.

Sources have told HITC football that Tottenham want to make a double transfer raid of their London rivals by also signing Conor Gallagher this summer.

That opens the door for another centre-back to come in and it fits perfectly into Chelsea bringing in a man of Adarabioyo’s experience.

Chelsea and Newcastle United next season

Manchester United’s FA Cup win over Manchester City had a huge bearing on Chelsea and Newcastle – and all for the wrong reasons.

When the final ball of the 2023/24 Premier League season was kicked, those at Stamford Bridge felt they had Europa League football and the Magpies were hoping for Europa Conference League.

READ MORE: Agent confirms Chelsea talks but hands Everton a boost in £16m transfer race

But that win for Erik ten Hag’s men means that the Blues will play Conference League football and there will be no Europe for the Toon Army faithful next season.