Marco Silva has already told Newcastle United what to expect from Fulham star Tosin Adarabioyo

Newcastle United are believed to be 'closing in' on a deal to bring Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo to St James' Park this summer with the Magpies set to beat rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool to the free transfer.

That's according to the Northern Echo, which reports that Newcastle United are the frontrunners to strike a deal with the 26-year-old. The outlet believes that Adarabioyo has been offered a huge £100,000 a-week deal on Tyneside - although there has not been confirmation of any contract being accepted.

The centre-back was absent from Fulham's matchday squad against Crystal Palace last weekend ahead of his contract's expiry at the end of the campaign. Cottagers boss Marco Silva told the press that he could have selected the player but was keen to 'prepare for the future'.

Fulham are known to want to extend Adarabioyo's deal, with Silva confirming discussions earlier this year, but nothing has come to light on a successful deal. Now, it appears the star may be ready to pack his bags and make the trip up to the North East.

It would be an ideal signing for Newcastle United, who have had Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles pick up long-term ACL injuries in recent months. Both those players will miss the opening months of next season as Eddie Howe's injury nightmares look set to continue.

Newcastle United supporters will be aware of Adarabioyo's talent in the Premier League but can further understand what he will bring to the club through Silva's past praise of the player. The defender's biggest strengths, according to the Portuguese boss, appear to be his leadership and ball-playing skills.

Speaking in December as Adarabioyo neared a return from injury, Silva said: “We have been working with him over the last few weeks and the international break as well to get him sharp as we need to get him in the best physical condition. He is not right now, it will take more time, but he is a key player for us and the way I want to build.

“He is a player that has some leadership skills and that is really important in our team. I am really pleased for him and for him to come in for his first game of the season and keep a clean sheet is good."

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After beating Everton in the cup in December, Silva also labelled the defender a 'special player' and hailed his influence off the pitch too. The coach said: “He’s a key player for us. He’s one of the leaders in our dressing room. We missed him a lot in the first three months of the season. Issa [Diop] did really well, but Tosin is a special player for us — I can’t hide that situation. The way he can defend the box, and on the ball, he’s a special player. He can build the way I want to play.

“He’s just played the last four or five games, and he’s getting better and better. A great performance from him tonight, and to be able to take the decisive penalty, he deserves all the credit.”

Adarabioyo, who is a product of the Manchester City academy, has had his ball-playing skills praised in previous seasons too. Speaking last April, Silva said: "And with Tosin, we know what we expect from him. Of course, quality on the ball in the first build-up, to find the players between the lines. Tosin had a good game and did what we expected.”