Chelsea or Newcastle? Fabrizio Romano names the favourites to win the race for Tosin

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has named the favourite between Chelsea and Newcastle to sign Anglo-Nigerian and Fulham defender, Tosin Adarabioyo.

The Manchester City Academy product is set to become a free agent upon the expiration of his contract at Craven Cottage with Newcastle and Chelsea waiting to take advantage of the situation.

The Magpies want to sign him because of the long-term injuries to star defender Sven Botman and club's skipper Jamaal Lascelles, both of whom would be out for a couple of months having picked up an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The Blues have also identified him as a possible replacement for Thiago Silva who will officially leave the club upon the expiration of his contract by June 30, after four years of service.

With both clubs seemingly at loggerheads to sign the right-footed center back, Romano has named Newcastle as the favorite to sign the former England youth international though the race for his signature remains open.

"First of all it's an open situation. I still see Newcastle as favourite because Newcastle started to work on this deal in March. For Tosin there is still discussions ongoing but I see Newcastle as favourites," Romano said on The Debrief, via TBR.

"Interest from Chelsea has been there since the final week of March, Chelsea are well informed on Tosin.

"I'm not aware of anything advanced with Chelsea. I'm not sure anything is decided with Chelsea, I think the situation is still quite open with Newcastle pushing to make it happen."

It has been reported that Adarabioyo has spoken to Eddie Howe and is said to be fascinated with the idea of playing at the St.James' Park but with allure of European football available at Stamford Bridge, the situation could change quickly.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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