Chelsea star to leave after SIX MONTHS as rivals eye January move

West Ham are plotting a surprise swoop for Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo, according to a report.

The 27-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer in a free transfer deal that was widely praised as a shrewd piece of business. Tosin, a reliable Premier League defender, joined Chelsea on a Bosman after establishing himself as one of Fulham’s most solid centre-backs.

Yet since his transfer, the former Man City prospect has failed to attain more than a role in Enzo Maresca’s ‘B Team,’ the side that primarily features in cup competitions and the Conference League.

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To date, Tosin has made just five measly appearances in the Premier League, while he has gone the full 90 minutes in all but one of Chelsea’s international games this season.

When he joined, he wasn’t seen as an immediate, guaranteed starter but he still likely would have expected to have a few more minutes under his belt by December. Due to his situation, clubs are starting to take an interest in the towering defender.

West Ham eye Tosin

At least that is according to Footmercato, which claims that struggling West Ham have identified Tosin as a potential January reinforcement to alleviate their defensive struggles.

West Ham have shipped 27 goals in 14 games so far this season, a record that is worse than even that of Ipswich Town who sit in a relegation spot. The Hammers are currently 14th and Julen Lopetegui is under massive pressure after a summer outlay of €144.4 million.

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The French outlet claims that Tosin ‘could be tempted’ by West Ham’s interest due to the promise of regular game time, though it is unclear whether Chelsea would agree to let him go after just six months. West Ham would look to secure an initial loan deal for the 27-year-old.