NEWCASTLE reportedly looked at Saints defender Mohammed Salisu last week but any advances were immediately rejected by the club.

The 22-year-old Ghanaian defender has been impressive for most of the season under manager Ralph Hasenhuttl – a cycle which peaked with a colossal showing versus defending champions Manchester City.

Salisu’s performance at St Mary’s and his untapped potential will have him on the radar of a number of big clubs for future business, but reports suggest clubs were already sniffing around.

The Telegraph are reporting that Newcastle were taking a look at the youngster last week but they were immediately told a deal was “not going to be possible,” and it was a non-starter.

Newcastle have been in the market for a new centre-back with extensive links to the likes of Sevilla Brazilian Diego Carlos, and other names such as Dutchman Sven Botman.

However, Salisu would require an enormous offer with his current form and the fact that Hasenhuttl has been patient with the youngster’s development since joining from Real Valladolid for over £10million in August 2020.

He is under contract at Saints until summer 2024. 

In addition, there is potentially a frosty atmosphere between the two clubs that would make negotiations difficult following the postponement of the clash at St Mary’s at the start of January.

Hasenhuttl has been vocal about wanting increased clarity for requesting a postponement, as well as suggesting that newly signed players – of which Toon hope to have plenty – should not be eligible for rearranged matches.

Newcastle are currently in the Premier League relegation zone and have played more games than three of the four teams around them.

With 17 games left to play, manager Eddie Howe's first target is to keep them in the division.