Newcastle United were reportedly knocked back after making an enquiry about Mohammed Salisu.
According to journalist Luke Edwards, the Magpies recently made a play for the Ghanaian central defender.
But the club were told ‘it’s not going to be possible’, and will now need to look elsewhere.
It’s very possible that Southampton would not consider doing business with Newcastle this month, with Ralph Hasenhuttl unhappy that the December fixture between the two teams got postponed.
He suggested that any players signed in the winter window should not be able to play in the rescheduled fixture (talkSPORT).
Salisu has been with Southampton since the summer of 2021, joining the club from Real Valladolid for a reported £11 million (BBC Sport).
So far he has made 38 appearances for the club. And arguably, his finest display in red and white came at the weekend against Manchester City.
Salisu put in an absolutely colossal performance against the Premier League leaders.
He made the most clearances (6) and most interceptions (2), and did not commit a single foul. He also won all of his duels and tackles.
It was a defensive masterclass from the 22-year-old. There will undoubtedly be quite a few clubs out there now keeping a close eye on his development after that particular outing.
Mohammed Salisu would have been a quality addition for Newcastle, but it’s a non-starter
Salisu looks like a quality player with huge potential.
He looks absolutely made for the Premier League. It would be no surprise if becomes one of the top players in his position in the division in a few years’ time.
Alan Shearer certainly rates him. The Newcastle icon included him in his latest Team of the Week, and said of him (via Premier League) ‘Man of the match as Southampton stopped the leaders’ long winning run. He just blocked everything’.
Perhaps this is a player Newcastle should look at in future windows.
The club have reportedly been told no for now. But he is definitely someone to keep tabs on.
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