Manchester United to hijack Newcastle United transfer claim after U-turn and medical
Chelsea has outmanoeuvred both Newcastle United and Manchester United in the race to sign Tosin Adarabioyo.
Despite Manchester United’s last-minute attempt to snatch the player from under Chelsea’s nose, the defender had already made up his mind.
Just last week, Newcastle United appeared to be the frontrunners to secure the out-of-contract Adarabioyo, only for Chelsea to swoop in with a more lucrative wage offer.
Accepting Chelsea’s terms, Adarabioyo returned to West London on Tuesday from his holiday to complete his medical. Fulham, having released him yesterday, set the stage for his official move to Chelsea on July 1.
According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United rekindled their interest with a solid offer over the weekend, but it was too late as the 26-year-old had already committed to Chelsea.
Beyond the financial allure, sources in London suggest that the hiring of Enzo Maresca played a significant role in Adarabioyo’s decision, given their previous collaboration at Manchester City.
Meanwhile, ESPN highlighted that Manchester United’s transfer plans have encountered a major obstacle, as they anticipated Dan Ashworth’s appointment as sporting director before the summer window.
Currently, Newcastle and Manchester United are at a stalemate over Ashworth’s compensation package. Ashworth remains on gardening leave after expressing his intention to leave St James’ Park in February, with the issue heading to arbitration.
Insiders at Old Trafford acknowledge that their recruitment efforts are hampered without the esteemed sporting director.
Despite this, the Magpies are advancing their transfer strategies, with Steve Nickson, head of recruitment, taking a prominent role. Newcastle is also continuing the search for Ashworth’s successor after Dougie Freedman declined the offer, opting to remain at Crystal Palace.
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