Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Everton could be getting a “bargain deal” if they move for Southampton’s Mohammed Salisu this summer.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the “strong and quick” 24-year-old could be a good signing with the Toffees “needing help” at centre-back.
Sources told this site on 11 May that Everton have a strong interest in signing Southampton defender Salisu – and believe £20million could be enough to seal a deal.
The Saints have already been consigned to relegation and a deal is believed to be contingent on Everton securing their Premier League status on the final day of the 2022-23 campaign (28 May).
Salisu has made 28 appearances across all competitions this term and turned out for Ghana at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (23 May) that Everton will have no money to play with this summer regardless of whether they avoid Premier League relegation – and need to operate a sell-to-buy policy.
When asked if there should be any concerns about signing a relegated side’s players, Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It always depends on the player’s performances, rather than just looking at the fact that they have been relegated.
“The scouts and the director of football will know what they are dealing with.
“As Southampton are down, you could be getting a bit of a bargain deal – which is important, as Everton don’t have a lot of money to spend.
“When I’ve watched Salisu, he’s looked strong, quick and decent on the ball. Everton need help in that position.
“They may well let Conor Coady go back to Wolves, so they’re going to need some good business.
“If they can nick a player from a club who are dropping to the Championship, they could end up doing that at a cheaper fee.”
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