Southampton close to signing Mohammed Salisu

Southampton are close to signing Mohammed Salisu from Real Valladolid, pending a work permit.

French club Rennes had been the main competition for the Ghanaian defender but Salisu has told them he wants to play in the Premier League with Southampton.

The 21-year-old has a £10.9million buy-out clause and Southampton have a deal in place with Valladolid to sign the 6ft 3ins centre back.

All that remains ahead of his signing is for Salisu to obtain his work permit.

Southampton are looking to re-shape their squad with a couple of new signings while they expect to sell 27-year old Jannik Vestergaard, a target for Leicester City, and former captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who is attracting attention from Everton, Tottenham, Manchester City and Ajax.