Southampton's Mohammed Salisu in action with Wolverhampton Wanderers' Adama Traore
Newcastle United are reportedly targeting a move for Southampton central defender Mohammed Salisu this summer.
The Lowdown: 2022 target
Newcastle reportedly targeted a move for Salisu in the 2022 January transfer window, but a deal never materialised in the end.
There have been reports that Jamaal Lascelles is set to leave St. James’ Park this summer, meaning that they will have to bring in a new centre-back as a replacement.
The Latest: Interest remains
As per The Daily Mirror, the North East club are still keen on signing Salisu, and are targeting a move in the next window.
Eddie Howe is thought to be a ‘big fan’ of his, and the transfer fee to sign him is not thought to be ‘enormous’, given that he only has a year left on his contract at the Saints.
The Verdict: Smart signing
Salisu would certainly be a smart signing, considering that he could be available on the cheap, has plenty of Premier League experience, and is only 23 years of age.
Hailed as a ‘nasty‘ defender by his old Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, the six-foot-three colossus ranks in the top 10% of all centre-halves in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for average tackles, blocks and clearances per game, which is very impressive considering Southampton’s struggles.
If they were to be relegated come the end of the season, then Salisu could be available for a real bargain, which would make a deal for the Magpies a no-brainer.
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