Southampton’s fire sale hits a snag as Monaco weigh up whether to wait until January to sign Mohammed Salisu while Saints’ biggest assets remain unsold

Monaco are considering waiting until January to agree a deal to sign Southampton’s Mohammed Salisu on a free transfer.

The French side are trying to land defender Salisu this summer but have so far seen two bids rejected.

Salisu, whose final start of the season for Southampton was back in February, is keen to leave St Mary’s and join Ligue 1 Monaco.

However, Monaco fear being priced out of a move and are weighing up their alternative options, including switching attention to other targets and delaying their move for Salisu.

He is into the final year of his contract and will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club from January 1.

Mohammed Salisu’s contract runs out next summer and Monaco are exploring a free transfer

Che Adams is also struggling to get a move away from St Mary’s this summer despite interest

Striker Che Adams is in a similar situation to Salisu, attracting interest but from clubs who are reluctant to overpay with his contract expiring next summer.

Adams is wanted by Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Everton plus clubs overseas, though his foreign admirers could also wait to secure Adams on a pre-contract agreement at the start of next year.

Following their relegation Southampton have yet to sell any of their biggest assets and Salisu and Adams are among a number of players with uncertain futures, a situation impacting new manager Russell Martin’s plans for the coming season which they kick off at Sheffield Wednesday in two weeks.

Newcastle are in talks with Southampton over a deal for Tino Livramento who is keen to join Eddie Howe’s side.

Chelsea and Liverpool have held discussions over Romeo Lavia with developments expected in the race to sign the Belgian midfielder in the coming days. Captain James Ward-Prowse is wanted by West Ham.

Southampton have brought in defensive midfielder Shea Charles from Manchester City and versatile left footer Ryan Manning, who has followed Martin from Swansea to St Mary’s.

Will Smallbone and Nathan Tella have also returned from loan spells to bolster Martin’s squad.