Man Utd transfer revelation could be Fulham 'nightmare'

Manchester United are reportedly prioritising a move for Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo this summer as part of a new transfer strategy under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The highly-rated defender's contract at Craven Cottage is set to run out this summer. Fulham had triggered an extension in the 26-year-old's deal to keep him on the banks of the Thames until the end of the current campaign, but there is yet to be confirmation of a further extension.

Tosin has shown real promise under Maro Silva this season and is highly rated by the Fulham faithful. Supporters are desperate to see the player stay at Craven Cottage but a standstill over a new deal continues.

The Evening Standard reported late last month that Fulham had a 'bumper' deal ready for the defender in a bid to stop other Premier League clubs opening talks to sign him on a free transfer. Tosin would become one of the side's top earners as Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and AC Milan are all said to be monitoring the player.

Manchester United can now be added to that list with Football Transfers reporting that the defender is a priority summer signing given that the free transfer would fit Sir Jim Ratcliffe's business model. The businessman has moved out big money transfers.

He told The Geraint Thomas Cycling Club Podcast: "I'd rather find the next Mbappe than spend a fortune trying to buy success. It's not that clever, is it, buying Mbappe, in a way? Anyone could figure that one out. Much more challenging is to find the next Mbappe or Jude Bellingham or the next Roy Keane."

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With that policy, Tosin joins Luton Town midfielder Ross Barkley on the top of the shopping list according to new reports, with both players' contracts close to expiration. A formal approach from Manchester United, or any other Premier League club, to Tosin could be a nightmare for Fulham with the player effectively free to choose where he plays football next term.

Asked about the Tosin contract situation last month, Fulham boss Silva said: "We have three players that are at the end of their contracts, him and Bobby Reid plus Kenny (Tete) that we have a clause in his contract that we can trigger if we don't do something before and the three players we would like to keep them because they have been important for us.

"They are part of the 'furniture of this football club' if I can say. Tosin is a really important one, going direct for him.

"We have been trying to renew with him, the club they are speaking with him, his agent and the people that are taking care of his career and let's hope that we can have news as soon as possible. But clear if you ask me what I want, I'd like to keep him in our football club."