“Talks are planned”: Crucial meeting this week will decide future of United’s key defensive target – report

Manchester United defensive target Tosin Adarabioyo is reported to be on course to make his final decision on his future this week.

The Red Devils’ defence held strong in a famous FA Cup win on Saturday afternoon, only being breached in the 87th minute when Andre Onana let in a soft Jeremy Doku strike.

However one good performance does not mask the deficiencies of this season as a whole as the team conceded 58 goals in 38 Premier League matches.

Moreover, one half of the successful centre back partnership on Saturday, Raphael Varane, has announced he has played his last game for United, so summer reinforcements in central defence are a must.

Jarrad Branthwaite and Jean-Clair Todibo have both been heavily linked to a move to Old Trafford. However, the availability of Adarabioyo on a free transfer has turned the heads of many clubs, including United.

The Fulham defender has already made it clear that he will not sign a new deal with the Cottagers and Newcastle United were said to be favourites to secure the player’s signature. However, United have moved more and more into the picture and are now a serious threat to the Magpies’ chances of completing a deal.

The Northern Echo report that Newcastle’s “talks with Adarabioyo are not at such an advanced stage, with Newcastle’s pursuit of the Fulham defender complicated by strong interest from Manchester United.”

The FA Cup winners “have also held talks with Adarabioyo and are keen to take the 26-year-old to Old Trafford as part of their rebuild under new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.”

Interestingly the paper claims that United’s transfer rivals may be at a disadvantage in the race “after Saturday’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City, Manchester United can offer the lure of a place in next season’s Europa League. Newcastle, on the other hand, will not be playing European football of any description next term.”

Another big update on the move is that Newcastle believe that “further talks are planned for this week, in which Adarabioyo’s final preference should become clear.”

The Englishman has enjoyed a strong campaign where he has played 25 games, scoring two goals.

He has been described as “an archetypical modern, ball-playing centre-back.” His versatility is highlighted in the fact “he can be the more aggressive front-foot centre-back but can also play the role of a more passive defender who covers up in behind.”

With the season drawing to a close, and the player not going to the Euros, it is likely Adarabioyo will make a decision on his future soon, and his capture could prove to be a clever first piece of business under the INEOS regime.

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