The Lilywhites are claimed to have been “extensively” scouting the centre-back recently.
Tottenham Hotspur are allegedly interested in signing Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo this summer as manager Ange Postecoglou looks to reinforce his center-back ranks.
The north Londoners are reportedly keeping tabs on the 25-year-old, according to respected insider Alasdair Gold, who wrote on Twitter: “Understand Tosin Adarabioyo remains high on Spurs’ list of potential central defender moves this summer after some extensive scouting last season.”
Gold went on to say in his attached piece for football.london that the Lilywhites are ‘weighing up’ a move for the 6 foot 5 marvel after following his progress for a long time, despite the fact that a slew of clubs around Europe are also interested in the one-time Manchester City asset.
The former England youth international is being evaluated alongside the likes of Edmond Tapsoba and Mick van de Ven in the hunt to bolster the backline, however Adarabioyo is likely to prove a cheaper alternative because his current contract expires in 12 months.
According to Gold’s report, Ange Postecoglou’s’main central defensive target’ at the moment is Bayer Leverkusen’s Tapsoba, though the signing of Adarabioyo – who made 25 Premier League appearances last season – could represent a dream alternative having already proven himself in English football.
The towering asset has seemingly been pegged for big things since breaking through the Etihad youth ranks, with City boss Pep Guardiola describing his abilities back in 2016: “He is fast, strong in the air, and has the quality to look forward behind the line for the next pass.”
Adarabioyo, who was deemed “immense” by previous manager Tony Mowbray during his loan spell at Blackburn Rovers in the 2019/20 season, was particularly impressive for the Cottagers last season as they returned to the top division, with his 6.89 average match rating ranking sixth among his colleagues.
The Manchester native is a truly strong presence in the middle of the defense, having won 69% of his aerial duels in 2022/23, which is significantly better than Tapsoba’s (56% in 33 Bundesliga appearances).
While the latter is particularly adept at playing out from the back, ranking in the top 5% of his European contemporaries for progressive passes with an average of 5.76 per 90, Adarabioyo is no slouch in that department, with an average of 4.10 per 90 over the last 365 days.
With the Fulham man clearly comfortable on the ball as well as an intimidating defensive asset, he may provide Postecoglou and co an all-round package, which is why the £40k-per-week menace could represent a possible value alternative to Tapsoba this summer.
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