Manchester United fail with late move to sign Chelsea-bound signing on a free transfer
United left it too late.
Manchester United failed with a last-ditch move to sign Chelsea-bound defender Tosin Adarabioyo, according to reports.
Chelsea are on the brink of completing a deal to sign Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham, and the 26-year-old will become the first arrival of Enzo Maresca’s reign.
Adarabioyo has undergone a medical with Chelsea and has reached an agreement to join Stamford Bridge.
However, MailOnline reports that United had made a late attempt to sign Adarabioyo ahead of Chelsea.
The report claims that United made an initial approach months ago but their ‘concrete proposal’ only arrived at the weekend – by which time Adarabioyo and Chelsea had already reached an agreement.
United are in the market for at least one new central defender this summer following the departure of Raphael Varane.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite had been identified as a top target and United are understood to be hopeful that a bid of £40 million will be enough to land the 21-year-old.
United have also expressed an interest in Trevoh Chalobah, who Chelsea would be open to selling this summer.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are in talks with Aston Villa over a deal for Conor Gallagher but are demanding a £50m fee for the midfielder.
Chelsea are also looking to sign a striker this summer but have ruled out the prospect of bringing Victor Osimhen to Stamford Bridge, with Napoli wanting clubs to trigger the Nigeria international’s €130 million (£110.8m) release clause.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Chelsea news, exclusives and analysis
What's Your Reaction?
