"It seems very unrealistic": Journalist drops big Southampton claim amid surprise exit rumour

Transfer insider Dean Jones expects Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu to still be at the club at the end of the month.

Salisu has enjoyed a breakthrough season at St Mary's, leading to speculation that he could set for a move away from the South Coast club.

The 22-year-old has played a key role in Southampton's success this term, and has been his side's third-best player according to WhoScored, who have given him an average game rating of 7.00.

It has been claimed by The Telegraph's Luke Edwards that Newcastle have taken note of Salisu's performances and have expressed an interest in signing the centre-back in January.

However, the Northern football writer has added that he was informed last week that Salisu will not be moving to St James' Park.

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Jones has confirmed that Edwards' update is accurate, and has outlined how Southampton want to retain the services of Salisu so that they can start to put together a squad that is capable of achieving something special.

He told GIVEMESPORT: "Saints are trying to build something and Salisu is integral to that. It seems very unrealistic that anyone would expect them to sell him - especially at a reasonable price."

It is essential.

Salisu arguably had his best game in a Saints shirt when Ralph Hasenhuttl's men earned a 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Saturday.

The 6 foot 3 star made 14 clearances, seven tackles and four interceptions, as per WhoScored, to keep City at bay, and seems to be going from strength to strength.

Southampton have had a tendency to sell their best players over the years, with the likes of Sadio Mane, Virgil van Dijk and Danny Ings all leaving for pastures new in recent