Manchester United complicating rival’s pursuit of Premier League star | OneFootball

Manchester United will prioritise two main areas in this summer’s transfer market and that’s midfield and defence, with both departments in urgent need of addressing.

United will lose not only numbers but also invaluable experience in those positions, with Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans and Sofyan Amrabat almost all certain to be leaving, with Varane’s departure confirmed officially.

There are also question marks over the futures of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Scott McTominay.

It remains to be seen whether Erik ten Hag is in charge this summer to handpick his targets but thus far, it is becoming increasingly clear that Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo is a target for the Reds.

Adarabioyo is out of contract at the London club at the end of this month and Premier League clubs are circling for his signature.

Now, it is being reported that United are not alone in their interest and the Reds are complicating things for one of their Premier League rivals – Newcastle United.

Eddie Howe’s men have earmarked Adarabioyo as one of their leading centre-back targets but talks with the defender are not said to be advanced.

According to the Northern Echo, their interest is strongly rivalled by United, who have held talks with the player’s representatives over a move.

It’s claimed that Adarabioyo is viewed as a player United would like to have in their rebuild under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the lure of European football may give them the edge over Newcastle.

Newcastle were set to qualify for the Europa Conference League after they finished high enough in the league or a seat at that table.

Manchester United’s FA Cup final victory over Manchester City changed things, however. United’s eighth-placed finish in the Premier League immediately became obsolete and the Reds sealed a spot in next season’s Europa League, with Chelsea clinching the final seat in the Europa Conference League instead, leaving Newcastle with nothing but domestic football.