Report: Southampton close to £11m deal, recently linked with Everton and Newcastle

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Spanish newspaper AS have claimed that Southampton are close to completing the £11million signing of Real Valldolid defender Mohammed Salisu – despite links to both Everton and Newcastle United.

Salisu, 21, has broken into Valladolid’s senior side this season and has impressed for the La Liga outfit – clocking up 32 of his 34 professional career appearances this term. He has been a crucial part of Valladolid avoiding the drop.

Indeed, Valladolid – owned by Brazilian legend Ronaldo – sit in a comfortable 14th place and with two league games to play, find themselves seven points above the bottom three. However, Salisu is set to move on.

Linked with numerous clubs from Spain and England, Southampton are set to win the race and pay his £11million exit clause. Pucela Fichajes claimed Newcastle, Everton, Sevilla and Bayer Leverkusen were all keen.

TBR’s view – Salisu a bargain at £11m

So much so that Everton and Newcastle may come to rue the decision not to press harder for Salisu this summer, if Southampton do indeed get a deal over the line. Standing at a lofty 6ft 2in, he is perfect for the Premier League.

Quick, strong, good in the air but also technically gifted, Salisu has all the traits needed for a modern-day centre-back. At just £11million, he is a bargain given his age and Southampton have pulled off a real coup.