West Ham United have told Tosin Adarabioyo’s camp that they are not pursuing a deal for the out-of-contract Fulham defender and that has come as a surprise to a Premier League centre-half who will be on the move this summer.
HITC understands that, while Newcastle, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are in the race to sign the one-time Manchester City prospect on a free transfer, one club not in contention at this stage is The Hammers.
That is despite the club’s obvious defensive deficiencies – West Ham have conceded five goals or more against Fulham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Crystal Palace since December – and despite the fact that the London giants have scouted Tosin Adarabioyo in the past.
We have been told that Tosin’s camp approached West Ham in an attempt to ascertain their interest. And they were shocked to learn that, while the Conference League holders do want a new centre-half or two, there is no offer in the pipeline for the Manchester-born 26-year-old.
West Ham approached by Fulham star’s camp
Fulham boss Marco Silva admitted last week that Tosin is ‘probably not’ going to be plying his trade at Craven Cottage next term, his contract running out in July. The long-serving defender has also been left out of the club’s last two matches, the draws with Brentford and Crystal Palace, seemingly with Fulham preparing for life without him.
“I know all the noise around him and his future of course,” Silva, who recently described Tosin as a ‘special player‘, told The Standard.
“Of course, I have been speaking to him. I have a really close relationship like with all the players and everything is clear between myself and him, like all the other players.
“If Tosin is going to be on the pitch, he’s going to be on the pitch. He’s going to be in the squad if I’m going decide for him to be in the squad.
“When it starts to come, the news that he’s not going to be with us next season, I know what he told me. I prefer to keep that between us. Of course, that’s a decision from the player. But, apart from that, Tosin is ready to play or to be in the squad if I decide for him to be there.”
Newcastle in the race but agreement not imminent
We understand that a decision over Tosin’s next destination could be made as early as next week. He wants to join a club where first-team football would be likely, however.
That could give Newcastle an advantage, given the long-term absences of Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles. Chelsea, meanwhile, have a Thiago Silva-sized hole to fill in Mauricio Pochettino’s backline.
AC Milan and Monaco have also spoken to Tosin.
Some have suggested that Newcastle were leading the race last week. But sources speaking on behalf of the Tyneside outfit confirmed to us that there is no agreement in place with Tosin as things stand.
Newcastle also like the similarly out-of-contract Lloyd Kelly of AFC Bournemouth and Nicolas Valentini of River Plate.
- MORE: Tim Sherwood says Ange Postecoglou would pick £42m Tottenham star as his 'best player' this season