Newcastle told to pay 'absolute top dollar' for Mohammed Salisu

Newcastle United will have to splash the cash and pay ‘top dollar’ if they want to tempt Southampton into selling Mohammed Salisu in the summer, according to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay.

The Magpies – fresh from becoming the richest club in world football thanks to the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund leading a £305million takeover in October – were Europe’s biggest spenders last month, but they failed to welcome Salisu to St James’ Park.

It has been revealed by 90min that Salisu came close to swapping Southampton for Newcastle during the January transfer window.

The report suggests the central defender remains on the Magpies’ shortlist of targets ahead of the summer after seeing a £40million deal, including add-ons and bonuses, fall through.

A change of ownership, thanks to Sport Republic buying a controlling stake in Southampton shortly after the turn of the year, resulted in Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe being unable to get his man.

Despite the reports, Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl has claimed Salisu was not on the cusp of heading onto pastures new last month.

The Austrian suggested the club were unwilling to sanction any departures ahead of the deadline and the 22-year-old has been a key member of Saints’ squad this season, making 25 appearances.

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Barclay believes Salisu would prove to be an impressive addition to Howe’s squad if Newcastle can eventually get a deal over the line.

While the journalist has been impressed with the centre-half’s performances for Southampton, he is interested to see if his form will continue until the season reaches its climax.

Barclay warns the Magpies will have to be willing to part with a considerable sum