English side Southampton have jumped into the lead in the fight to sign Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu from Real Valladolid.
French Ligue 1 outfit 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.
But according to Spanish portal AS, the 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.