Newcastle United are firming up their summer transfer plans, and appear to be prioritising centre-back reinforcements.
That is a sensible stance from the Magpies as Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles are set to be out for the foreseeable future. They have both suffered ACL injuries, and could be out of action for the rest of 2024.
Therefore, Newcastle United at least one new centre-back. You could even argue that they need two, but that might depend on the club’s transfer budget amid profit and sustainability frustrations.
Newcastle United looking at free transfers
That is why Newcastle are trying to box clever, and are looking towards players who are on course to become free agents this summer.
One of those is Lloyd Kelly, who is reportedly Eddie Howe’s top target. It has been claimed that Newcastle are the favourites to sign the Bournemouth defender, with Kelly interested in a move to St James’ Park.
However, he is not the only soon to be free agent who Toon officials are taking a look at ahead of the summer transfer window.
Newcastle also interested in Fulham star
As well as Kelly, there is another Premier League defender who is closing in on the end of his contract.
Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo is set to become a free agent this summer, and has been linked with a move to Newcastle United.
According to the Northern Echo, Newcastle are debating making a move to sign the 26-year-old, who has so far rejected Fulham’s attempts to keep him at Craven Cottage.
The Northern Echo add that Toon officials feel like they have a good chance of convincing Adarabioyo to move to Tyneside.
Might be difficult for Newcastle to sign Tosin Adarabioyo and Lloyd Kelly
Whether or not that is true remains to be seen.
Like Kelly, Adarabioyo would be a smart bit of business. He is a proven Premier League player, and has done well in a Fulham shirt since his £2million move from Manchester City.
The defender has been described as a ‘special player‘, and the fact he is going to be available on a free has to make him very appealing to Newcastle United.
But it is also for that reason that Newcastle may struggle to sign both Kelly and Adarabioyo. One feels likely, but both is surely impossible.
It is difficult to envision the Magpies being able to guarantee both players regular minutes at St James’ Park. And both players will be looking to be consistent starters wherever they go, as they prepare to sign the most important contracts of their careers.
While Newcastle might feel like they can tempt Tosin to Tyneside, that may ultimately depend on how their approach for Kelly goes.
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