Huge decision made on Spurs, Newcastle United and Man Utd transfer target

Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo has been left out of his side’s squad once again for the derby day visit to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

The 26-year-old is out of contract at Fulham come the end of the season and, despite the club's desire to keep the player on their books, looks increasingly likely to seek pastures new for the new campaign - and has no shortage of interest.

The centre-back was absent from the Fulham squad last weekend as the Cottagers shared the spoils with Crystal Palace. Marco Silva turned to Issa Diop and Calvin Bassey as his central pairing in defence but insisted he could have played Adarabioyo if he wished.

Speaking after the match, the Fulham boss said: "He can play. We have three games to play. if I decided he would be on the pitch he would be. It will be my decision always.

"I'm looking for the present. I want to win football matches and be as competitive as we can be. At the same time, we have to prepare for the future of the football club."

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United had both been linked with interest in signing the free agent this summer but, this week, it appears that it may be Newcastle United who are in pole position. The Northern Echo reported that the Magpies are frontrunners to reach an agreement with the Fulham man, offering a huge £100,000 a -week salary to tempt him to join Eddie Howe's project on Tyneside.

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Newcastle United have seen defenders Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman suffer ACL injuries in recent months. Those two are set for lengthy lay-offs and will miss a chunk of next season too, making a centre-back a priority signing this summer.

Meanwhile, a move for Adarabioyo supposedly matched Sir Jim Ratcliffe's new transfer strategy at Manchester United to perfection. Liverpool are another Premier League outfit linked with the player.