Future of £15m Newcastle United transfer target ‘in doubt’ after being left out of Premier League squad

Mohammed Salisu, once a transfer target for Newcastle United, has been left out of Southampton’s matchday squad due to concerns over his commitment.

The South Coast club are in huge a battle to retain their Premier League status as they sit bottom of the table, four points from safety. Interim boss Ruben Selles requires the right characters and according to The Athletic, there are question marks over Salisu.

The Ghanaian has missed back-to-back defeats against West Ham United and Manchester City - starting just one game since February. Salisu is out-of-contract next summer and is expected to leave if the Saints are relegated to the Championship.

Southampton first opened talks about a new deal over a year ago but the 23-year-old is yet to commit. It was claimed by The Sun last month that Newcastle were considering a £15million cut-price move at the end of the campaign.

Eddie Howe showed interest in central defender during his first transfer window at the club in January 2022 before agreeing a fee with Brighton and Hove Albion for Dan Burn. United further bolstered their backline with the £35million arrival of Sven Botman last summer.

Salisu isn’t the only player Southampton player Newcastle have been linked with in recent months.

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