According to Footmercato, Rennes have stepped up their interest in reported West Ham United and Southampton target Mohammed Salisu.
The Real Valladolid defender is seemingly set to leave this summer.
Available for a bargain £10.8 million fee, the Daily Mail this week claim West Ham have joined Southampton and Everton in the race for his signature.
But the Premier League trio could miss out to French side Rennes.
Footmercato claim the Ligue 1 club are pushing for his signature. This week, they have met with his agent while already agreeing the buyout fee with Valladolid.
The French top-flight ended early due to the global health pandemic. At the time, Rennes were third meaning they have qualified for next season’s Champions League.
The added income plus European football make them an attractive proposition.
Southampton have allegedly already made a bid for Salisu (France Football).
Rennes president Nicolas Holveck admitted to RMC last week how the Premier League is an attractive destination for Salisu but remained hopeful his club will sign him.
The Saints could be looking at him as a long-term partner for Jack Stephens while fellow centre-back Jannik Vestergaard may leave this summer.
West Ham, meanwhile, must look at strengthening their defence this summer.
The Hammers have conceded far too many goals leaving them in a relegation fight. Standing at 6ft 3inch, Salisu, 20, is a potential long-term solution.
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