Southampton are expected to be able to confirm the signing of Romain Perraud from Stade Brest in the very near future.
Reports from journalists close to the club in Adam Blackmore (BBC Radio Solent), Tom Leach (Hampshire Live) and Dan Sheldon (The Athletic) reveal all, with Blackmore and Leach suggesting that Saints will be able to name him as their player on Friday and Sheldon telling of how Saints want the 23-year-old in pre-season by Monday.
The club look to have acted quickly to secure this deal and replace the outgoing Ryan Bertrand – officially a free agent as of today and expected to sign a two-year deal with Leicester City.
Perraud is likely to become the first-choice left-back and provide some much-needed balance to Saints’ team with Kyle Walker-Peters on the other flank.
Southampton reportedly snap up Perraud ahead of other Premier League clubs
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Newcastle and Leeds were also said to be in the race to sign Perraud and it appears that Saints have managed to get a defender who was in high demand.
With three goals and seven assists in Ligue 1 last season, it is clear that he is able to influence the attack and also provide a solid, natural presence down the left.
It may take him some time to adjust to the demands of Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, but it is important to emphasise that the club would not have pursued a deal if they thought Perraud was not capable of playing with a high-intensity press.
Saints also have a decision to make regarding potential their new man’s participation at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Perraud is wanted by France as they take a youthful side to the games but, as for many players, this would clash with the start of pre-season.
The fact that Dan Sheldon says that Saints want him to be able to train on Monday following five days of isolation suggests that he will be fully involved in preparations for the upcoming campaign.