The Mail’s Craig Hope has issued an intriguing update on Newcastle’s pursuit of out-of-contract duo Tosin Adarabioyo and Lloyd Kelly.
Speaking on his Youtube channel, the reliable North-East reporter reveals that he’s “got a little whisper” on Fulham’s Adarabioyo, claiming the 26-year-old is leaning towards a summer move to St James’ Park after positive talks with Newcastle.
It’s believed the centre-back has been given some assurances over his role in the team and how he’ll fit into Eddie Howe’s plans, giving us a potential edge over of several Premier League suitors.
As for Kelly, Hope reveals that “talks are ongoing”, but there’s currently a “hold up” over the fee being demanded by the Bournemouth defender’s agent, suggesting that deal isn’t as close as some have suggested this week.
“Talks have taken place with both player’s representatives.” Hope said. “At the moment, I got word that Tosin Adarabioyo knows where Newcastle see him fitting into their plans next season and I think they would see him as a starting centre-back.
“I’ve just got a little whisper that he might be leading towards a move to St James’ Park. For Lloyd Kelly, there’s been noises for a while now about this one being close.
“We believe talks are ongoing, but there is an issue over the size of the agent fee. The dilemma Newcastle have got it, you’re getting a player for ‘free’, but do you want to be held to ransom or pay an inflated agent fee, even if the absence of a transfer fee makes sense financially? That is the hold up at the moment, I’m told.
“Newcastle like both players. Would they do deals for both? I think they perhaps would if they were both viable. They are absolutely two names we’ll have to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.”
Later in the video (watch below), Hope then confirms we’ve been scouting Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, Wolves’ Pedro Neto and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, also revealing that the signing of a new No 6 is further down our priority list despite attempts to sign one in January.
