Southampton are reportedly interested in signing Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo before the summer transfer window slams shut.
According to a report from the Express, Southampton are lining up a summer raid on EFL Championship outfit Fulham for the signing of 23-year-old defender Tosin Adarabioyo.
The 23-year-old came through the youth ranks at Manchester City but managed just eight senior appearances for the Premier League champions. After loan spells away at West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers, Adarabioyo signed for Fulham in the summer last year and has since become a regular fixture in the side.
Adarabioyo, along with loanee Joachim Andersen, was one of Fulham’s better performers last season even though it ended with them getting relegated from the Premier League. However, the 23-year-old could be set for a swift return back to the top-flight, with the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle United being linked with a move.
Now, Southampton, too, have entered the fray for the signing of the former England youth international as per the aforementioned report. The Saints have seen a few key players like Danny Ings, Ryan Bertrand and Jannik Vestergaard leave the club this summer, leaving manager Ralph Hasenhuttl in search of reinforcements.
The departure of Ings has been addressed by the signing of Adam Armstrong as well as the loan acquisition of Armando Broja from Chelsea, while Romain Perraud has arrived to fill the vacancy at left-back. Now, Southampton are on the lookout for a centre-back to replace Vestergaard who had been a key member of the setup under Hasenhuttl.
Adarabioyo, to that end, has emerged as a viable option for the south coast outfit to bolster their defensive ranks. At 23, the Englishman fits the age profile of players that Southampton are looking to recruit, while he also has a release clause worth just £10 million, which makes him well within their reach in the current transfer market.
Southampton, however, might have to battle newly promoted Premier League outfit Norwich City for Adarabioyo’s signing. The Canaries are prioritising a move for a new centre-back currently and have the 23-year-old former Manchester City starlet on their radars. So, if the Saints want to land him from Fulham, they will need to act quickly or they face the risk of losing out to Norwich.