Newcastle United are reportedly considering making an approach for Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu.
After leaving Real Valladolid for St Mary's in August 2020, it took Salisu a number of months to establish himself in the first team.
However, the 23-year-old has since gone on to make 62 starts and five substitute outings in the Premier League, emerging as one of the club's senior defenders.
Salisu, who represented Ghana at the 2022 World Cup, has made 27 appearances for Southampton this season, each one of them coming from the first XI.
The South Coast outfit are currently battling for survival in the Premier League, however, and that is something which will hinder their efforts to retain the services of Salisu in the long term.
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Less than 16 months remain on his contract, and progression on that front is unlikely until it is determined whether Southampton will participate in the top flight during 2023-24.
According to The Sun, Newcastle are ready to take advantage if Salisu comes onto the market.
The Magpies have had a relatively-settled defence this campaign with Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Dan Burn featuring in the back four.
That said, Eddie Howe's side are lacking depth in that area of the pitch, and signing a versatile defender would tick a number of boxes.
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While Salisu is primarily a centre-back, he is also capable of deputising at left-back, and Newcastle are also said to like that he is only 23 years of age.
The report suggests that Newcastle would be willing to pay in the region of £15m to ensure that they won the race for Salisu.
Should Southampton be relegated or if Salisu opts against penning fresh terms at his current club, they would not be short of interest.
Salisu is likely to have admirers in Spain having starred for Real Valladolid before his transfer in 2020, Salisu helping the club to 13th spot during 2019-20 before they were relegated in the season after his departure.
Darren Plant
