Peter Lynch

Mon 7 August 2023 14:10, UK

Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo is set to sign for French club Monaco amid interest from West Ham and Tottenham, according to the Daily Mirror.

The newspaper reported on its website on Sunday (6 August) that both the Hammers and Spurs were keen on keeping the player in the Premier League.

But French outlet FootMercato (6 August) reports that the defender prefers a move to Monaco, with all parties now confident of completing a deal.

FootMercato reports: “Every day brings Adarabioyo a little closer to Monaco while Tottenham are still pushing to overtake ASM in this case. And that Fulham have instructed agents to take the defender to Tottenham. “But the player gave his preference to the French club and both parties continue to be confident to seal the deal.”

The Daily Mirror noted: “Tottenham and West Ham were interested in keeping him in the Premier League but reports in France suggest a switch to Monaco is now close.”

Transfer blow

London rivals Tottenham and West Ham have both been dealt a blow in their pursuit of a new centre-back, with Adarabioyo seemingly wanting a fresh challenge away from England as he nears a switch to French side Monaco.

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou may not be too disappointed with this latest development given how the North London outfit are very close to announcing Wolfsburg centre-back Micky Van de Ven as a new signing, with the defender currently undergoing a medical with the club [Sky Sports, 7 August].

West Ham supporters can only dream of such a scenario at the London Stadium, with no new players brought in by David Moyes so far this summer.

A new defensive midfielder should be, and seemingly is, the priority for the Scot, but a new centre-back would also be welcomed with open arms by fans.

The Hammers are seemingly keen on Manchester United man Harry Maguire in this regard, but no breakthrough has been made.

In other West Ham news, a BBC journalist has namedropped Chelsea in a Hammers transfer verdict.