da pinnacle： Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo is on his way to Chelsea as a free agent, however, Manchester United reportedly tried to hijack the move.

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Adarabioyo leaves FulhamChelsea set to sign as free agentMan Utd made late attempt to sign(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Chelsea are on the verge of signing Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham, with the 26-year-old set to be Enzo Maresca's first new recruit. The defender has already undergone a medical with Chelsea and has reached an agreement to make a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.

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However, The Daily Mail has now reported that United tried to make a late effort to try and sign the former Manchester City man. The Red Devils had indicated their interest in the 26-year-old earlier in the year but experienced delays with their squad planning, with Erik ten Hag's future at Old Trafford still up in the air. By the time the Sir Jim Ratcliffe-led club made their move Adarabioyo had already agreed to join Chelsea.

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Newcastle United had also shown interest in the services of Adarabioyo earlier this summer and were seemingly the favourites in the race to sign the Manchester-born defender. However, Chelsea offered up a better financial deal and were able to sign the free agent ahead of Eddie Howe's side.

WHAT NEXT FOR ADARABIOYO?

The defender's move to Chelsea is yet to be announced but the 26-year-old has already confirmed his Craven Cottage exit. The switch to Maresca's team should be rubber stamped soon.