Perhaps it’s a sign of the times that one player would now be willing to snub interest from Manchester United in order to choose a move to Newcastle.

In the days of Sir Alex Ferguson that would have rarely been the case, but Erik ten Hag’s team now don’t quite have the same pull. 

On the other hand, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United project is mostly going from strength to strength, albeit for the disruption that injuries have caused this season.

Of course, that explains why Newcastle are now exploring the transfer market for opportunities – they recognise that their squad is either too frail or too small.

And given both the clubs mentioned have been competing with each other for placement in the Premier League right until the very end, it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that they are overlapping in the transfer market too.

Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo is on the radar of both clubs, a ‘special’ talent who has informed the London club that he won’t be renewing his contract. 

Tosin Adarabioyo would much prefer a move to Newcastle over Manchester United

Moreover, according to a report by the Northern Echo, Adarabioyo would actually prefer a move to Newcastle over Man United this summer.

The towering defender is said to be ‘heavily leaving’ towards a move to Tyneside regardless of interest from Ten Hag’s side.

And should Newcastle complete a deal it should be considered a real coup.

It’s rare to find a player of Adarabioyo’s quality as a free agent, which perhaps exposes some lacklustre business from Fulham in the first place.

When considering why the centre-back would prefer a move to Newcastle, it’s likely something to do with the solid foundations at the club.

There’s so much uncertainty at Manchester United right now, not only with Ten Hag’s future but also with several of their first team players.

Whereas joining Newcastle must feel like a much more straightforward proposition, a more consistent platform to showcase his talent for Adarabioyo right now.

Of course, Eddie Howe’s side are also thought the closely monitoring a move for Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly as well, perhaps a player Man United may then also turn their attention to.

All that being said, it has now been analysed whether Newcastle will actually need to sell Alexander Isak this summer.