Out of nowhere! Chelsea pondering hijacking Newcastle's move for Fulham's soon-to-be free agent Tosin Adarabioyo

Adarabioyo announced his decision not to renew with Fulham earlier this year, and as such, a lot of clubs have shown interest in the defender. One such club has been Eddie Howe's Newcastle United, who are looking to make the 26-year-old their first signing this season alongside Lloyd Kelly.

As per reports from iNews, Chelsea are now pondering upon a move for Adarabioyo as they look to plug the gap left by the departure of veteran centre-back Thiago Silva. Chelsea are still managerless after parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino at the end of the Premier League season and may not be able to strike before Newcastle sign the defender. However, Adarabioyo will know that the prospect of playing for Chelsea could provide a better platform to get international recognition and could wait for the Blues.

Manchester United are another club that is showing interest in the centre-back this summer with the departure of Raphael Varane confirmed and Jonny Evans' future at the club uncertain. Adarabioyo is a native of Manchester and could potentially be enticed into a move back home but to his boyhood club, Manchester City's rival.

It is possible that Adarabioyo's situation could be on hold for Chelsea until the end of their hunt for a new manager, and the same could be the situation for Man Utd, with Erik ten Hag's future at the club still uncertain. In the meantime, Newcastle will look to draw first blood and gain the upper hand in negotiations.