26-year-old Nigeria eligible Tosin Adarabioyo is on the verge of becoming Chelsea’s first signing under new manager Enzo Maresca. Although Manchester United made a last-minute attempt, talks with Chelsea were already well underway.

Adarabioyo, a free agent after his contract with Fulham expired, had attracted interest from several clubs. Newcastle initially seemed close to securing his signature, but Chelsea swooped in with a better offer last month.

This offer was further improved after Maresca’s appointment, with whom Adarabioyo previously worked at Manchester City.