Southampton have jumped into the lead in the race to sign Real Valladolid defender Mohammed Salisu.

Rennes had revived negotiations with the Ghanaian youngster's representatives in the past fortnight and there was a confidence he was leaning towards a move to France.

However, AS says Saints have come forward with a better contract offer - €2m-a-year compared with Rennes' €1.8m-a-year proposal.

Salisu is also impressed by the work of Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.

The defender will have the final say on his next move with his Valladolid contract carrying an affordable €10m buyout clause.