Newcastle are pushing for an answer about a potential deal for centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo.
The 26-year old, who will be a free agent when he leaves Fulham this summer, has also had interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.
Newcastle are looking to strengthen their back line due to long-term injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles.
The Magpies are also interested in versatile defender Lloyd Kelly, who is out of contract with Bournemouth this summer.
With Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules to contend with, signing two players for free is a big boost for Newcastle’s summer transfer plans.
Adarabioyo is a long-term target for the Tynesiders, with contact already made over a deal.
And the club wants things to move along quickly amid rival interest from two Premier League rivals, with Man United also keen on the 26-year-old following the exit of Raphael Varane.
Adarabioyo came through the academy at Man City, making his senior debut for the Premier League champions in 2016 under Manuel Pellegrini.
He later started for City in a Champions League clash against Celtic at the age of 19.
Following loan spells at West Brom and Blackburn in the Championship, he was sold to Fulham for around £2million in July 2020.
3
3
It is believed Man City had negotiated a 20 per cent sell-on fee as part of the deal, but they won’t be able to benefit from that clause after the player allowed his contract to run down at Craven Cottage.
He will be on the move after a brilliant campaign for Fulham, impressing in his 25 appearances in all competitions despite having missed the start of the campaign after groin surgery.
Centre-back has been identified as a key area for recruitment at Newcastle this summer following a season hit hard by injuries to their back line, with star defender Botman missing the majority of the campaign.
Kelly, who joined Bournemouth from Bristol City five years ago for £13million, will also bolster their options at the back.
And his ability to operate as a centre-back and a left-back makes him a versatile option for Howe in the long-term.