TOSIN ADARABIOYO will undergo a Chelsea medical ahead of joining on a free transfer, according to reports.
The Blues have been battling with Newcastle for the English centre-back, 26, while Manchester United was also mooted as a potential destination.
But now the West London club, who are preparing to welcome Enzo Maresca as their new manager, are set to land the ex-Manchester City man - who is out of contract this summer.
Sky Sports claim the 6ft 4in defender will have a medical next week after deciding on Chelsea.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, negotiations are at the "final stages" after weeks of talks as Tosin prepares to become Maresca's first signing following his move from Leicester.
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Chelsea are said to be the "clear favourites" to sign Tosin but are remaining "cautious" until the deal is completed.
Fulham have been resigned to losing Adarabioyo since he snubbed their offer of a bumper new deal.
In May, manager Marco Silva said: "I know all the noise around him and his future of course.
"Of course, I have been speaking to him, I have a really close relationship with all the players and everything is clear between myself and him, like all the other players. And from him to me and my staff as well.
"If Tosin is going to be on the pitch he's going to be on the pitch, he's going to be in the squad if I'm going decide for him to be in the squad. Nothing has changed from last week.
"When it starts to come, the news that he's not going to be with us next season, I know what he told me, I prefer to keep that between us.
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"Of course, that's a decision from the player. But apart from that Tosin is ready to play or to be in the squad if I decide for him to be there."
Tosin, a Man City academy product, moved to Fulham from the Etihad in 2020.
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He has played 129 games at Craven Cottage and established himself as one of Silva's most important players.
Meanwhile, Fulham have identified former Leicester defender Caglar Soyuncu as a possible replacement.
Soyuncu, 26, spent this season on loan at Fenerbahce after finding opportunities limited at parent club Atletico Madrid.
