Rennes president Nicolas Holveck claims Mohammed Salisu is torn over joining his club or Premier League side Southampton this summer, RMC report.
The Real Valladolid defender is seemingly set to leave the Spanish club.
Salisu has a £10 million release clause, and a recent report in the Mirror claims Premier League duo Everton and Southampton are keen to sign him.
France Football, meanwhile, say the Saints have already bid for him.
But Holveck remains hopeful his Rennes side can win the race for Salisu’s signature as the French club have struck an agreement with Valladolid over a transfer.
“It shows that the project is interesting for the players. Even if the Premier League is attractive, it makes you think,” Holveck commented while stating Salisu is hesitant.
The 20-year-old defender is a potential bargain this summer.
Standing at 6ft 3inch, Salisu has been a standout for the La Liga club this season and he has a decade of top-level football ahead of him.
Rennes finished in the Champions League places after France’s top-flight ended early.
It means the French club have both the finances and pull of elite level football to attract top names this summer.
But Salisu could make a bigger name for himself in the Premier League. With Southampton improving under Ralph Hasenhuttl, they appear an attractive prospect.
The Saints may see Salisu as the ideal long-term partner for Jack Stephens.
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