Erik ten Hag 'keeping tabs' on ex-Man City star who Man Utd could sign for free

Manchester United are one of seven Premier League clubs 'keeping tabs' on Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, according to a recent report.

Adarabioyo is out of contract with Fulham at the end of June and is currently expected to leave in the summer, following an excellent individual campaign at Craven Cottage. Marco Silva's side remain hopeful they can agree fresh terms with the defender but there are just three months left on his current deal.

Top clubs have been keeping a close eye on the situation since the end of last year, when it became evident that the 26-year-old may look to move on once the season ends. and HITC now reports that United are among many potential suitors.

They are one of several Premier League clubs hoping to snatch Adarabioyo on the cheap, with rivals Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, West Ham and Everton also named in the report. The player is thought to want a step up in quality and is utilising his impending status as a free agent to attract interest from those competing for Europe.

AC Milan, Juventus, Lyon and Marseille are also said to be eyeing a potential free transfer and hold an advantage, given foreign clubs can enter pre-contract talks once a player enters the final six months of their respective contract. Any teams from the same country as Fulham will have to wait until the summer before approaching the centre-back.

Adarabioyo joined Fulham for around £2million back in 2020, ending a near 18-year association with Manchester City. The Manchester-born defender came through the academy before making eight first-team appearances, none of which came in the Premier League.

Central defence will be a key area of focus at United this summer, with multiple arrivals expected in that area. Only Lisandro Martinez is all but guaranteed a place in next season's squad, with Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans set to leave as free agents while Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof could both be sold.

Erik ten Hag will likely sanction at least one major arrival in central defence, with interest in the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite, Jean-Clair Todibo and Edmond Tapsoba. But in the era of profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) being more strictly enforced, funds will not be infinite and so low-cost squad signings like Adarabioyo will likely be welcomed by new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.