Newcastle United are reportedly plotting moves to sign two Tottenham-linked free agents, Tosin Adarabioyo and Lloyd Kelly, in the summer to bolster their backline.
According to Ben Jacobs (via GIVEMESPORT), Newcastle United want to complete the signing of Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo this summer, aiming to bring him in as one of two free agents alongside Lloyd Kelly.
Newcastle United want Bosman defensive pair Tosin Adarabioyo and Lloyd Kelly
The Magpies have found themselves looking thin at the back at times this season, with injuries posing a big problem throughout the campaign. They have contributed in Newcastle United being dumped out of the UEFA Champions League in the group stages. In addition, they have been sitting in and around the European spots for much of the campaign.
Newcastle are currently sixth in the table, ahead of seventh-placed Manchester United on goal difference. Sven Botman has arguably been the most high-profile absentee and has already been ruled out of the 2023/24 season. But the likes of captain Jamaal Lascelles, Kieran Trippier, Harvey Barnes, Joelinton, and Joe Willock have all missed long periods, among others.
One player who has been linked with a move to Newcastle United in the summer transfer window is Lloyd Kelly, with Eddie Howe knowing him well, having worked with him at Bournemouth.
The 25-year-old is out of contract with the Cherries at the end of the season, meaning he would be available on a free transfer. He can play at left-back or centre-back, which would reinforce two of the most injury-hit areas this season.
Kelly may not be the only Premier League defender being targeted by the Magpies in the coming months. They are also keen on signing Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo in the summer, seeing him as an additional signing on top of Kelly rather than an alternative.
The Toon are interested in snapping up both soon-to-be free agents, immediately strengthening their defensive options in the process. With Trippier, Burn, and Fabian Schar now all in their thirties, there is a clear need to bring in younger players. So, signing both Adarabioyo and Kelly this summer makes complete sense, embarking on the start of a new era in Newcastle’s defence.
Newcastle are unlikely to get a clear run in the race to sign both players, with Tottenham Hotspur also eyeing up the Bosman defensive pair. Tottenham simply could not carry on with just Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven as their only centre-back options.
They snapped up another centre-back in Radu Dragusin in January but appear to be in the market for one more addition in that area this summer. So, Newcastle face stiff competition from Tottenham for their centre-back targets heading into the summer transfer window.
