Chelsea have offered a contract to Fulham central defender Tosin Adarabioyo in attempt to beat Newcastle United to his services, according to various reports this afternoon.

The Blues are looking to strengthen their defensive options during the close season and, like a number of other Premier League clubs seeking to manage their FFP exposure, view Adarabioyo as an attractive option after the centre back confirmed he would leave Craven Cottage when his contract expires at the end of next month. Newcastle had been long considered the front runners to sign the 26 year-old, but the Blues believe they could trump Eddie Howe’s outfit after they qualified for European football.

Adarabioyo made 129 appearances, scoring five goals, in four years at Fulham but was dropped from Marco Silva’s starting line-up in April after formally informing the club that he would be leaving on a free transfer. The Manchester-born defender turned two contract extension offers, including one that would have raised his salary close to £100,000-per-week.