Manchester United are “heavily interested” in recruiting Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, according to UtdDistrict.

The website reports that the Red Devils are weighing up whether to snap up the 26-year-old on a free transfer this summer.

Adarabioyo’s contract at Craven Cottage expires at the end of the season and his outstanding form in recent months has prompted Erik ten Hag’s side to consider signing him.

Fulham are still trying to tie down the former Manchester City player to a new deal but, if he doesn’t sign on the dotted line, he will be free to choose another club.

UtdDistrict claim that United are preparing to hold talks with Adarabioyo’s representatives “soon” to explore the possibility of a potential transfer.

There is competition for Adarabioyo

Considering that he could be a free agent in a matter of months, it is not a surprise that other Premier League teams are also keeping tabs on the centre-back’s situation.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has admitted that he is keen on reinforcing his options in the middle of defence even after recruiting Radu Dragusin from Genoa in January.

It is believed that Spurs are one of the clubs targeting Adarabioyo, along with Liverpool, who are seeking a replacement for Joel Matip.

United have considered other centre-half targets

Adarabioyo is by no means the only defender that the Red Devils have been scouting in recent months. Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford but his £80m asking price could prove prohibitive.

The likes of Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, Benfica’s Antonio Silva and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi are also names that have been mentioned as possible targets but United will have a limited transfer budget this summer. If they can secure Adarabioyo’s services for no transfer fee, it would free up funds for signings in other positions.