Everton and Newcastle may have been handed a boost in their potential pursuit of Real Valladolid defender Mohammed Salisu.
Earlier this week we covered a report from Pucela Fichajes stating the Premier League duo were keen on the defender, who has a €12m release clause.
However, they would have faced competition for his signature, as La Liga side Sevilla were also keen on his signature.
That, though, appears to have been wide of the mark as the club’s Director of Football has rubbished suggestions they are looking at the defender.
When asked about the reports linking the club, Monchi replied “No, Miguel Ángel knows how we work. Today we do not follow individual, but global, so there is nothing like that,” he told Diario AS.
That seemingly leaves Everton and Newcastle free to pursue their target, with Pucela Fichajes doubling down and insisting both clubs have been scouting him.
Both clubs could undoubtedly do with additions in that area, with Everton’s failure to sign Kurt Zouma in the summer leaving them with just two senior centre backs this year.
Mason Holgate has stepped in in recent weeks and impressed, but there is no denying they would like the extra cover, and €12m is more than an agreeable fee.
Newcastle are likewise short on centre backs, particularly after losing Jamaal Lascelles to a long-term injury recently, although they would presumably be more reluctant to pay his asking price given Mike Ashley’s general unwillingness to spend money.
