Ralph Hasenhuttl admitted that he is indeed looking to bring a new centre-half to Southampton this summer when asked about a potential £10 million deal for Mohammed Salisu, speaking to Hampshire Live.
If reports are to be believed, the Saints are on the verge of making a long-term transfer target their first signing of the summer.
The South Coast club have been watching Salisu closely in recent months and, despite missing out on the Real Valladolid youngster during the January transfer window, it seems that they have reached a breakthrough this week.
AS claim that the 20-year-old Ghanaian is set to sign a four-year, £35,000-a-week deal at St Mary’s with Southampton expected to trigger the £10 million release clause in his contract.
And, speaking after his side conceded their 57th and 58th goals of the Premier League season against Manchester United on Monday, Hasenhuttl has offered an intriguing response when asked about Salisu’s future.
“We are looking at this position,” said the former RB Leipzig boss.
“We have always some players in our mind and centre-back is something we want.”
Salisu is one of a host of talented, young, Europe-based central defenders who have been linked with a move to Southampton of late, alongside Evan Ndicka, Axel Disasi and Mohammed Simakan.
But with Jack Stephens and Jan Bednarek forming an impressive partnership in recent months, it remains to be seen whether Salisu can force his way into Hasenhuttl’s starting XI.
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