AC Milan 'planning summer move for Fulham defender'

Adarabioyo is facing an uncertain future at Craven Cottage, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

Fulham are keen to retain Adarabioyo's service and are willing to offer a lucrative contract to persuade him to stay in West London.

However, the Cottagers have a fight on their hands to retain one of their key defenders, with a number of clubs believed to be showing an interest in the former Manchester City man.

Fellow Premier League clubs Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with the 26-year-old, while Milan are also said to be among his admirers.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sempre Milan, the Italian giants have identified Adarabioyo as one of two central defensive targets for the summer transfer window.

Although they are prioritising a new striker, Milan are keen to strengthen their backline ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

Simon Kjaer is likely to leave when his contract expires at the end of June, while Pierre Kalulu and Malick Thiaw have struggled with injuries this season.

As a result, Stefano Pioli's side have picked out Adarabioyo and Brest's Lilian Brassier as potential candidates to reinforce their defence.

Milan would be able to sign Adarabioyo on a free transfer if he lets his Fulham deal run down, while Brassier is set to enter the final 12 months of his Brest contract.

One of Fulham's key central defenders

Although he struggled with injury in the early part of the season, Adarabioyo is still viewed as an important member of Marco Silva's squad.

The centre-back has started 14 of Fulham's last 16 Premier League matches, including each of their last five top-flight outings.

Adarabioyo has made a total of 128 appearances for the club following his arrival from Man City in the summer of 2020.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Adarabioyo is expected to start when Fulham travel to the City Ground for Tuesday's Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest.

Fulham, who occupy 12th position, will be looking to return to winning ways after playing out a 3-3 draw in Saturday's game against Sheffield United.