Newcastle turn transfer attention to Fulham's Adarabioyo amid contract issue

Newcastle are interested in Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

Toon Army boss Eddie Howe is keen to strengthen his defence this summer and has money to spend on his squad. Adarabioyo, 24, has one year left on his current deal at Craven Cottage and is attracting interest this summer as a result.

The towering centre half made the EFL and PFA Team of the Year last season for his performances at Fulham and has gained a reputation for being a strong defender but also composed on the ball. He started at Manchester City and that grounding helped before he was loaned to West Brom and Blackburn but has now been at Fulham for two years and will be important to their hopes for survival next season.

But the England prospect - he has played for his country from under-16 level up to the 19s - may now have other Premier League offers. Howe has always championed home grown talent and had a reputation at Bournemouth for improving young players and is already keen to do the same at Newcastle.

Despite their huge wealth, Howe's clever management suggested a slow, steady build to establish strong, lasting foundations. Dan Ashworth has come in as technical director, they are keen on Sven Botman and Hugo Ekitike while a move for Jesse Lingard is still going on in the background.

England star Lingard has left Manchester United, is a free agent and Newcastle have been one of the clubs heavily linked with the midfielder.