Napoli are reportedly eyeing Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu, who was close to a move to Newcastle United in January if reports are to be believed.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the Serie A giants are interested in the Saints defender as well as his centre-back partner Jan Bednarek, another player who has been linked with Newcastle in recent weeks.
The European titans are set on improving their defence this summer, and both players have emerged as options for Napoli, with Newcastle also interested in the Southampton stars with the Toon reportedly bidding for Salisu in January.
90min claim that the Magpies were in advanced talks with Southampton over a £40m transfer for the defender, however, the change of ownership at the south coast side ended Newcastle’s chances of signing Salisu, with Eddie Howe instead bringing in Dan Burn.
With the summer window fast approaching, Napoli could now attempt to sign Salisu, with star defender Kalidou Koulibaly expected to leave Italy in the off-season with his contract situation yet to be resolved.
Indeed, the 22-year-old Ghanaian has been a regular for Southampton this season and has impressed in his sophomore year in the Premier League, and for Newcastle, Napoli’s interest should be a cause for concern.
Newcastle must beat Napoli to Salisu signing this summer
Salisu has been a shrewd signing for Southampton since arriving from Valladolid in 2020, with Ralph Hasenhuttl labelling his defending as ‘nasty’ for opposing players, and the youngster could be an exceptional addition for Newcastle, yet with Napoli looming, a deal could be hard to pull off.
After all, the Serie A side can offer the defender European football right from the off, and whilst Newcastle could present Salisu with higher wages, the centre-back could be tempted by the prospect of playing continental football for one of Italy’s biggest clubs.
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