Manchester United have failed in a bid to hijack a Chelsea transfer amid the delay in a decision over Erik ten Hag’s future, it has been claimed.
The Mail Online has claimed United made a late attempt to sign Tosin Adarabioyo, but talks over a move to Chelsea were already too far advanced.
The 26-year-old is on the verge of being confirmed as the first signing of the Enzo Maresca era at Chelsea, having allegedly undergone medicals on Tuesday and agreed to a deal with the West London club pending the official expiry of his contract with Fulham.
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United had allegedly expressed an interest in the player months ago, while Newcastle United are also thought to have come close to an agreement.
However, Chelsea made an offer last month and returned with an improved proposal last week once Maresca had been confirmed as their new manager.
Adarabioyo and Maresca had previously worked together at Manchester City, with the Italian said to have been central to the defender’s decision to join Chelsea.
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The Mail claimed that United offered a late concrete proposal to the player last weekend, but Adarabioyo had already committed to joining up with Maresca.
United are undergoing an end-of-season review and still waiting to finalise some of their recruitment team as well as the future of manager Ten Hag.
Yet, the publication added that they want two centre-backs, a full-back, a midfielder and a striker this summer.
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Given he is a free agent with Premier League experience, Adarabioyo was identified as a player of interest.
United are widely reported to also be interested in Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite.
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Chris Byfield