Everton defensive target has hit a wall in contract negotiations

Reported Everton target Mohammed Salisu has his a brick wall in contract negotiations with Real Valladolid, according to reports.

It was reported last week that Everton, as well as Premier League rivals Southampton and Newcastle, are interested in the 20-year centre-back who has impressed in La Liga this season.

With a release clause as low as £10million in his contract, Valladolid had wanted to tie their star asset down to a new long-term deal, in order to protect their financial interests with clubs considering an offer.

However, according to Diario de Valladolid (via HITC), the Spanish club have struggled to find a breakthrough in contract negotiations, while they also report that Norwich have also joined the race for Salisu’s signature.

Valladolid director Miguel Angel Gomez has admitted that the club and the player are currently at a standstill, as the Spaniards try desperate to keep the Ghanaian at the Jose Zorrilla Stadium. Gomez said:

Salisu feels the love of the club because we have signed three contracts in thirteen months.

He knows that he is an important player and that we would like to proceed with the renewal. But today, we are at a standstill.

Everton are desperate to sign a new central defender in January, with Mason Holgate, Michael Keane and yerry Mina currently the only senior options in that position at Goodison Park.

Read Everton Verdict

While I would prefer Everton sign a central defender with more experience under his belt in January, the Toffees can’t really afford to be too picky in that area as they desperately look to strengthen.

With a growing reputation as a promising young player and with such a low release clause, Salisu could be just the player that Everton need.

The Toffees would need to wrap up a deal early into the winter window though, with several other clubs also keen on making a move.