Manchester United failed with a late bid to hijack Tosin Adarabioyo's move to Chelsea.
The sought-after defender, 26, is effectively a free agent after running his contract down at Fulham and has been linked with a host of the Premier League's elite in recent months.
United are known to be in the market for a centre-back this summer and, like many others, were enthused at the idea of snaring Adarabioyo on a free transfer. However, the Red Devils made their move for the former England youth international too late.
That's according to a new report from The Mail, who claim United made a late play for Adarabioyo's services. The player, though, was already on the cusp of a move to Chelsea when United firmed up their interest.
Adarabioyo turned down a number of contract offers from Fulham during his final months at Craven Cottage. And while it was previously believed that Newcastle were in pole position to land the defender, Chelsea swooped in to beat them to a deal.
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Adarabioyo's switch to Stamford Bridge has not yet been officially announced but he did bid farewell to Fulham fans in a social media post on Thursday. He wrote: “As a new chapter awaits, I’d just like to thank everyone at Fulham Football Club for the last four years.
“Together with the manager, staff, my teammates and supporters, we made some great memories that I’ll always hold fondly. I wish you all the best in the future.”
Join the debate! Will Man Utd regret missing out on Adarabioyo? Let us know here.
Manchester United are expected to strengthen in the market regardless of whether Erik ten Hag stays as manager or not (PA)Once Adarabioyo is formally confirmed as a Chelsea player, he will become the first signing of the Enzo Maresca era after the Italian agreed a five-year deal to become the Blues' new head coach earlier this week.
Intriguingly, the man he replaced, Mauricio Pochettino, is one of the names in the frame to step in at Old Trafford should the Manchester United hierarchy decide to sack Erik ten Hag in the coming days.
The Dutchman ended the season with a flourish by winning the FA Cup but his position is still at risk after he oversaw the club's worst ever Premier League campaign. It's believed the club's top brass, including Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are still mulling over his future as part of an end of season review. A final decision on Ten Hag's future is expected to be communicated shortly following months of intense speculation.
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