Southampton have moved closer to an agreement with Brest for the signing of Ibrahima Diallo, according to L’Equipe.
Southampton’s interest in the Brest midfielder is said to have ‘grown in recent hours’.
And it is claimed that Diallo ‘welcomes the prospect’ of a move to St Mary’s.
Southampton have offered Brest more than €14 million (around £12.7m), excluding bonuses, according to L’Equipe.
And it is said that while does not immediately satisfy the French side, the two clubs are ‘clearly approaching’ one another in their positions.
Southampton have yet to strengthen their options in central midfield, despite having allowed a trio of players – Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Harrison Reed and Mario Lemina – to depart in Diallo’s position this summer.
Diallo – whose older brother, Abdou, players for Paris Saint-Germain – impressed after joining Brest from Monaco last year.
The 21-year-old has been capped once by France at under-21 level.
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