Chelsea are closing in on the free transfer signing of Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, while Manchester United may now have a clear path to sign Trevoh Chalobah this summer. Elsewhere, Everton may be forced to consider the sale of centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, and West Ham are planning a swoop for two Brazilian stars for manager Julen Lopetegui.
Chelsea are set to win the race to sign Fulham central defender Tosin Adarabioyo, according to The Sun.
The paper reports that prospective new manager Enzo Maresca is likely to make his first transfer, beating both Manchester United and Newcastle to the English player.
The report claims: “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.
“Fulham have been resigned to losing Adarabioyo since he snubbed their offer of a bumper new deal.”
The Mirror believes that the arrival of Adarabioyo at Chelsea will free up Trevoh Chalobah to move to Manchester United.
Because he is a homegrown player, Chalobah’s sale could be booked as pure profit, which helps Chelsea meet Premier League financial obligations.
The paper explains: “Tosin Adarabioyo is close to becoming Chelsea’s first signing of the summer in a move that could open the door for homegrown star Trevoh Chalobah to join Manchester United.
“Centre-back Tosin turned down the offer of a new deal at Fulham because he was keen on a new challenge. And despite firm interest from Newcastle, the 26-year-old is now set to choose Chelsea following productive talks.
“Tosin will bolster their defensive options after veteran Thiago Silva departed the club but it casts further doubt over Chalobah’s future at Stamford Bridge. The academy graduate has been linked with United and would be seen as representing pure profit to Chelsea as they attempt to bolster their funds for further spending during the summer.”
Jarrad Branthwaite is said to be available for around £70 million given Everton’s dire financial position.
The reported collapse of the proposed takeover by 777 Partners means that they will have to consider selling the defender.
The Independent reports: “777 Partners’ bid to take over Everton has collapsed, leaving owner Farhad Moshiri free to discuss selling the Merseyside club to other potential bidders.
“The crisis-hit American investment firm missed a deadline of the end of May to complete a deal to buy a 94.1 percent share in Everton and their agreement with Moshiri is now over.
“Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor has revealed that he is interested in purchasing Everton, though he would have to sell his 45 percent stake in the Eagles to be allowed to take over another Premier League club. Moshiri has also received expressions of interest from several other parties.
“Everton, who had eight points deducted for failing the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules for successive seasons, may also need to sell players this summer to bring in funds, though they are adamant there will be no fire sale and would only listen to offers for Jarrad Branthwaite if they are at least £70m.”
West Ham are in negotiations for Palmeiras winger Luis Guilherme, according to the Evening Standard.
The 18-year-old is a versatile forward, and he could join alongside compatriot Fabricio Bruno of Flamengo.
The paper states: “West Ham are in talks over a deal to sign Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme from Palmeiras.
“The 18-year-old, who can play on either wing or as an attacking midfielder, is among Brazil’s most highly-rated young talents.
“He has been playing as part of an exciting Palmeiras frontline that also includes Kendrick, the Real Madrid-bound 17-year-old wonderkid who scored against England at Wembley earlier this year, and Estevao Willian, nicknamed Messinho and set to join Chelsea.
“Negotiations are still ongoing over a deal to sign Brazil international Fabricio Bruno, with a £12.5million fee already agreed with his club Flamengo in the hope that he could become Julen Lopetegui’s first signing.”
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