LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton and Tosin Adarabioyo of Fulham compete for the ball during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Everton FC at Craven Cottage on January 30, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Newcastle are now interested in signing defender who Pep Guardiola believed was destined for the top.

Newcastle United are pursuing a defender who was once tipped for greatness by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

The revelation that Sven Botman could be out of action for the next nine months has thrown a wrench in Newcastle’s plans, since the club is desperate for a new center-back this summer.

According to HITC, Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo could be the solution to their troubles with Newcastle, who have been keeping an eye on the 26-year-old player.

Guardiola expected tremendous success for Newcastle target Adarabioyo, who began his career in Manchester City’s youth before making his first-team debut in the FA Cup in 2016.

He made only eight appearances for Guardiola’s team before being loaned out to West Brom and Blackburn, and then making a permanent move to Fulham to play more regularly.

Adarabioyo’s quickness and ability to play with the ball at his feet as a defender makes him a very enticing prospect for any team, and with the dearth of pace in Newcastle’s defence it’s easy to understand why they would be after him.

It never worked out at City, but Guardiola knew from the start that the centre-back still had what it took to succeed in the Premier League, and as usual, he was proven correct, with a number of top teams now pursuing him.

Guardiola stated of Adarabioyo, “He has all the qualities.” He is quick. He is faster than anybody might believe, and he is extremely strong in the air. He possesses the ability to see behind the line for the next step or pass. He has a lot of things to work on, and I hope I can assist him develop his abilities.”

Newcastle were already looking for a new defender before Botman’s ACL injury over the weekend, and it may be much more important now that the summer is approaching.

Newcastle have previously been linked with Barcelona’s Andreas Christensen and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, who has recently received his first England call-up along with Anthony Gordon.

However, given that finding another defender is a top priority, we may see some new targets emerge in the coming days as Newcastle look for a new star man to replace captain Jamaal Lascelles.