AS MONACO have reportedly agreed a deal with Saints for the permanent transfer of defender Mohammed Salisu.

The 23 year old has not featured in either of the club’s pre-season defeats to AFC Bournemouth or AZ Alkmaar this week amid a potential move away.

Fulham were also said to be interested but they signed former Rangers man Calvin Bassey instead, paving the way for French giants Monaco to pursue a deal.

Salisu did not play for Saints during the back end of last season, making his last Premier League appearance in March, with only one year left on his contract.

Although he then featured for new manager Russell Martin in friendlies versus Goztepe and Reading his future has remained uncertain.

The Athletic now report that a deal is agreed between the two clubs with personal terms in place and a medical set for next week.

Fulham were said to be looking to pay around £15million for Salisu before pursuing Bassey, although a fee is not named in the initial report for the deal with Monaco.

Sky Sports report separately that Monaco will pay £17million for the Ghanaian international after Saints parted with around £11million for his 2020 arrival.