Liverpool and Tottenham dealt blow in race to sign Premier League defender

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs interested in signing Tosin Adarabioyo, but Fulham are hoping to tie him down to a new contract, according to a report.

Adarabioyo’s deal at Craven Cottage expires at the end of the season and he has been linked with moves to various teams across Europe.

The Evening Standard report Liverpool, Tottenham and AC Milan are just three sides monitoring the centre-back’s situation, which could soon change if he indeed puts pen to paper on a new contract – Fulham want to reward Adarabioyo’s impressive form this season with a deal that would make him one of the club’s top earners.

Liverpool are on the lookout for players as part of the post-Jurgen Klopp era – they recently welcomed back Michael Edwards as FSG’s CEO of Football, with Richard Hughes confirmed as their new sporting director this week.

Spurs have a long-standing interest in Adarabioyo dating back to the summer 2023 transfer window. 90min reported at the time they were battling Ligue 1 side AS Monaco for his signature, but ultimately neither side could agree terms with Fulham.

Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou told reporters last week he would like to bring in another centre-back prior to the 2024/25 season despite signing Radu Dragusin from Genoa during the January window.

The Standard also floats Chelsea and Manchester United as potential destinations for the 26-year-old as both clubs are weighing up their own defensive options.

Adarabioyo joined Fulham from Manchester City in 2020 and has made 126 appearances for them across all competitions since. He was a key part of the side that won the 2021/22 Championship title, being named in the PFA Team of the Year for his efforts.