Chelsea offer contract to Premier League star in surprise move to replace Thiago Silva

 Chelsea offer contract to Premier League star in surprise move to replace Thiago Silva

 Chelsea have offered a contract to Fulham star Tosin Adarabioyo in a bid to beat Newcastle to the defender.

The Fulham ace is set to see his contract expire at Craven Cottage in the coming weeks and as a result has drawn interest from multiple clubs. Eddie Howe's side have been the predominant pursuers of the 26-year-old and are said to have come close to an agreement already.

Despite interest from Manchester United, it is Chelsea who have thrown their hat into the ring. The managerless side remain active in the market with the club's structure allowing sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley to guide transfer activity regardless of who takes the Stamford Bridge hotseat.

The club have yet to confirm a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino, though appear to favour appointing Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca. The Blues have requested permission to begin talks with the former Man City Elite Development squad manager.

The west London side are also looking at Tosin however, who could prove a vaulable addition on a free transfer. The City youth product featured 20 times in the Premier League this term under Marco Silva.

A transfer too Newcastle would see the central defence challenge for a starting spot, while a move across west London could see Tosin replace Thiago Silva. The Brazilian veteran has departed Chelsea after his contract was not renewed and he was given permission to join up with Fluminense ahead of its expiry next month.

Chelsea's new boss will have a number of options for the heart of their backline with Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah all contending for a spot. Wesley Fofana too could add to the competition when he returns from the acl injury that saw him miss the entireity of 2023/24.