Transfer: Chelsea set to sign Nigerian defender Tosin Adarabioyo

Chelsea are reportedly close to signing Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, with the Blues now considered to be ahead of rival Premier League club Newcastle United.

Manchester United is also interested in the Fulham defender, who is poised to become a free agent at the end of this month.

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.