Chelsea rival Manchester United in Mohammed Salisu pursuit

Chelsea are all set to battle it out with Manchester United for the signature of Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu.

According to Football Insider, Chelsea are set to reignite their interest in Mohammed Salisu. The 23-year-old Southampton defender was close to joining the Blues in the winter, but the talks collapsed. The Ghanaian defender will cost around £25 million.

Chelsea have decided to once again push for the centre-back in the summer. However, this time around, they will have to battle it out with Manchester United for his signature. Meanwhile, Salisu came into the limelight after his performances for Real Valladolid. The Spanish club had signed him in the winter of 2017 from the African Talent Football Academy.

Salisu came through the ranks at the Valladolid before joining the Saints in 2020. His contract at Southampton runs until 2024. And, he is yet to pen down a contract extension. While the club are eager to extend the 23-year-old’s stay, they are yet to taste any success.

The Ghana international has featured in 28 matches for the Saints in the ongoing season, and he has been a consistent performer for them despite their ongoing struggles. Southampton are currently bottom of the Premier League and avoiding relegation will be a big challenge for them.

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With around 15 months left in Salisu’s contract, they might not be left with many options. The Saints might have to sell him in the summer if they fail to extend his contract. They will not want to risk losing him for free. And, as per the reports, they might consider selling him for a fee of around £25 million.

Manchester United are one of the clubs interested in signing the Ghana international.  Erik ten Hag is keen on having a new defender in his ranks. With Harry Maguire’s future at the club uncertain, they are desperate for the signatures of the Southampton defender.

However, they will face tough competition from Chelsea. The Blues have already invested a lot in defenders in the last few windows having signed Wesley Fofana, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Benoit Badiashile.

Despite having signed quite a few defenders, they still want to add Salisu to their ranks as they are aware of the fact that their mainstay, Thiago Silva is in the twilight of his career. While Chelsea are desperate for his signature, it won’t be easy for them to land him at Stamford Bridge given the interest from Manchester United and a few other Premier League clubs.