Chelsea are reportedly closing in on the signing of Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

The 26-year-old centre-back will become a free agent at the end of the month and his representatives have been in talks with both Chelsea and Newcastle.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now reported that the Blues have moved ahead of Newcastle in the race for the defender and are closing in on a deal.

He claims that Chelsea are now ‘clear favourites’ though the club are ‘cautious’ until the deal is sealed.

It means the former England youth international could become the first signing under incoming Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

Talks with Maresca have gone smoothly all week, and it is expected that an announcement is not far away.

Leicester City would be due some compensation their way from the switch.

Maresca would succeed Mauricio Pochettino, who parted by mutual consent after a single season in charge, in which the Blues finished sixth in the Premier League.

Mail Sport previously revealed that a number of clubs, including Manchester United, had pointed interest in Adarabioyo.

Adarabioyo made 22 appearances for the Cottagers this season, scoring twice, and has spent the last four seasons with the West London club.

Chelsea, who also admire Newcastle target goalkeeper James Trafford of Burnley, want to increase their homegrown quota and Adarabioyo also represents excellent value.

It would come as a blow to the Magpies who are keen to strengthen in defensive areas.

However, Manchester United’s FA Cup final victory pushed them out of Europe next season, while the Blues will be playing in the Europa Conference League.

There would be greater competition for a first team place at Chelsea though they are looking to sell Trevoh Chalobah for around £25million.