Newcastle transfer news: £40m deal for 'outstanding' Mohammed Salisu fell through

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has described Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu as ‘outstanding’ after it emerged Newcastle United came close to sealing a big-money deal last month.

Newcastle were Europe’s biggest spenders during the January transfer window, but head coach Eddie Howe was unable to welcome Salisu to St James’ Park.

It has been revealed by 90min that a deal which would have seen Salisu move to Newcastle fell through in the early stages of the January window and he remains on the club’s summer wish-list.

The report suggests progress had been made over a potential switch worth £40million including add-ons and bonuses, but a change in ownership at Southampton resulted in the transfer failing to be completed.

Sport Republic, led by Serbian billionaire Dragan Solak, bought a controlling stake in the south coast club shortly after the turn of the year.

However, Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl rubbished claims that Salisu was close to leaving St Mary’s by suggesting the club were unwilling to sanction any departures last month.

The 22-year-old Ghanaian defender has been a regular feature at the heart of Southampton’s backline this season.

Downie is not surprised that Salisu is a star who has been on Newcastle’s radar since they became the richest club in world football thanks to the Saudi Arabia-based Public Investment Fund leading a £305million takeover in October.

The journalist was impressed when the 6 ft 3 colossus featured for his current employers on a trip to Tyneside during the early stages of the campaign.

Downie told GIVEMESPORT: “I watched Salisu against Newcastle earlier in the season having not really seen him before. I thought he was outstanding.

“I thought he was the best player on the pitch in a