Chelsea to beat Manchester United again as Maresca closes in on first signing

Chelsea are confident of beating Newcastle and Manchester United to the signing of the Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer.

The Blues are expected to announce Enzo Maresca as new manager imminently, and Adarabioyo will be his first addition as manager.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle led the race for the former Manchester City defender and have been working on a deal for several weeks. But they have not been able to see off a late move from Chelsea.

Manchester United will also be disappointed, having been interested in the defender for several weeks, as INEOS look to replenish an area of the squad that could be very thin to start the new season.

Adarabioyo is keen to test himself at the highest level and is available on a free transfer after deciding not to renew his contract at Fulham.