“Stepped up…” Man United now facing three-way battle for Premier League defender

Manchester United are now in a three-way battle to sign a Premier League defender this summer with Erik ten Hag in need of reinforcements.

Manchester United want two centre-backs this summer. Raphaël Varane has left Old Trafford as a free agent, Jonny Evans looks like he could also leave, and the futures of Victor Lindelöf and Harry Maguire are still unclear.

Erik ten Hag‘s side needs defensive upgrades this summer, and UtdDistrict revealed earlier this month that they are tracking Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo ahead of a possible free transfer.

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The club conceded over 80 goals this campaign across all competitions, finishing the Premier League with a goal difference of -1, which is a far cry from rivals such as Manchester City and Arsenal, who both finished with a goal difference of +62 – a higher figure than United had points.

With this in mind, a fresh report from Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas has now confirmed that a third team has entered the race for Adarabioyo this summer.

While United and Newcastle were already seemingly in a battle for the 26-year-old, it has been revealed that Chelsea have entered the fray for his signature. Adarabioyo will be a free agent during the 2024 summer transfer window.

“Chelsea have made a contract offer for Tosin,” Thomas explained. “Chelsea have stepped up interest to try and beat Newcastle, who remain in talks.”

Although United aren’t mentioned directly in the report, it has been established that INEOS are interested in the player, as they are seeking cost-effective transfers for English players with Premier League experience, and Adarabioyo fits the bill perfectly.