Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo will have a Chelsea medical next week after reaching a provisional agreement with the Blues over the last 48 hours.

The centre back had been expected to join Newcastle United when his contract at Craven Cottage expires next month, but Chelsea’s willingness to match his wage demands and the imminent appointment of Enzo Maresca as head coach means he will make the shortest of journeys down the Fulham Road. Tosin worked under Maresca when the Italian managed Manchester City’s development squad.

The 6ft 4in defender, who made 129 appearances in four years with Fulham, was dropped by Marco Silva at the tail end of the season having turned two contract extensions. Fulham are actively looking for replacements at the heart of their defence.