Man Utd’s attempt to HIJACK Maresca’s first Chelsea signing

Chelsea are poised to sign Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer – but Manchester United had to be fended off from making a late raid for the Fulham defender, according to a report. Adarabioyo has been one of the Premier League’s most coveted free agents this summer and for a long period it seemed that Newcastle were leading the race for him.

Article continues under the video Chelsea’s run in the second half of the season, however, allowed them to qualify for European football and provided the Blues with the opportunity of pinching the 26-year-old from under the noses of the Magpies. Although the deal is not yet official, he has completed his medical and will be Enzo Maresca’s first signing as new Chelsea manager.

But according to the Daily Mail , Man Utd made a late play to steal him from the Stamford Bridge club. Chelsea fight off United to seal Adarabioyo deal It is claimed that United made Adarabioyo a proposal at the weekend, but at that point, Chelsea had supercharged their offer under the recommendation of Maresca, who worked with the player previously at Manchester City.

Indeed, the Italian’s presence at the club, coupled with the addition of European football, persuaded the player to make the move to Stamford Bridge. By the time the Red Devils made their approach for Adarabioyo, he had already committed himself to joining Chelsea. Man Utd, meanwhile, are said to have seen the Fulham star as a bargain option at centre-back, given that he was a free agent with Premier League experience.

Erik ten Hag’s side are set to make two additions in the heart of their defence, with Jarrad Branthwaite and Jean-Clair Todibo the leading candidates to move to Old Trafford.