Newcastle United in talks over double Premier League swoop as clause triggered

Newcastle United are pushing hard to utilise the free agent market as they look to bolster their squad under the restrictions of Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

As their 2023-24 campaign draws to a close, the Magpies have wasted no time in planning ahead for next season, and that has led them to two players who are out-of-contract this summer.

It’s understood United have emerged as favourites to sign Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo while talks have also taken place with AFC Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly.

Adarabioyo recently turned down the Cottagers’ latest contract offer, and manager Marco Silva has began planning for life without the 26-year-old having left him out of the squad for the last three matches.

He is likely to have played his last game for Fulham after making 132 appearances. Adarabioyo moved to Craven Cottage in 2020 after coming through the youth ranks at Manchester City.

Adarabioyo has been linked with several clubs - including the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United but Newcastle, as it stands, look set to win the race following fresh talks over the weekend. As per reports, Adarabioyo values United’s ambition and has been impressed by Eddie Howe and the project presented to him.

Meanwhile, talks are ongoing with Kelly. The 25-year-old, who Howe signed for Bournemouth in 2019 from Bristol City, has played 140 times and was captain when the Cherries were promoted back to the Premier League in 2021-22.

But similar to Adarabioyo, the former England under-21s international isn’t short of interest with Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United also reportedly vying for his signature.

Newcastle have already committed a portion of their summer budget to signing Lewis Hall from Chelsea on a permanent basis. The 19-year-old initially joined on a season-long loan deal which included an obligation to buy if certain performance criteria was met, and that is understood to have been triggered.

Signing both Adarabioyo and Kelly on free transfers can, in theory, allow the Magpies to use their budget on strengthening other areas of the team.