According to Daily Echo journalist Benjy Nurick, there is nothing in the rumours linking Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu with a move to Premier League champions Manchester City.

The Lowdown: Man City linked with Salisu

As per information provided by StatCity, with Nathan Ake now on the verge of a return to Chelsea, Pep Guardiola’s side have turned their attention to the Saints defender as a potential replacement.

The two top-flight clubs already have an established relationship, with City having sold promising youngsters Gavin Bazunu and Romeo Lavia to the south coast club this summer, making this transfer appear to be a realistic potential transaction.

The Latest: Nurick’s news on Salisu

However, Nurick has now shared the latest news on City’s rumoured move for the Southampton defender.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: “Believe there’s nothing in the Salisu to Manchester City link at this time. Told Salisu is happy at the club and #SaintsFC want to keep him.

“Can always change but sources close to the player and within the club don’t believe there’s substance to the report of #MCFC interest.”

Nurick further added: “If he’s on City’s list, no one has informed the player or the people around him. Seems a non-starter this rumour for the time being at least. #SaintsFC”

The Verdict: Good news for Southampton

According to WhoScored match ratings, the 23-year-old was Southampton’s joint-third best player last season, having averaged an impressive 6.83 rating in the Premier League.

When looking at the Ghanaian’s underlying statistics, it is obvious just how important the centre-back is to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

When compared with positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year, Salisu ranks in the 96th percentile for tackles, the 93rd percentile for clearances and the 90th percentile for interceptions (via FBRef).

Therefore, the news claiming that Salisu is set to remain at Southampton will surely come as a huge sigh of relief for Saints fans.