Southampton are on the verge of signing Romain Perraud from Brest after fighting off competition from Premier League rivals Leeds United, as reported by French publication L’Equipe.
When it comes to replacing star players, the Saints have had plenty of practice.
And, just a few weeks after it was confirmed Leicester City-bound Ryan Bertrand would bring an end to six years of loyal service on the South Coast, Southampton have wasted little time in finding the England international’s successor.
According to reports coming out of France, the jet-heeled Perraud is in advanced talks over a move that would see him join Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side for a fee of about £10.5 million.
Southampton – Perraud capture ahead of Leeds
Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds were interested too, seeing the one-time Celtic target as a replacement for out-of-contract Gjanni Alioski.
Given Perraud seems to play the game as if he’s just knocked back 25 Italian espressos seconds before kick-off, the ‘hyperactive’ left-back is certainly a man cut from the same cloth as Leeds’ madcap Macedonian.
L’Equipe, however, reports Southampton will be Perraud’s destination instead, with Leeds forced to turn their attention to Alex Moreno, Miguel Gutierrez or Nicolas Tagliafico.
Le Telegramme backs up those claims.
It states Perraud has played his last game for Stade Brestois, having produced an impressive three goals and seven assists during the 2020/21 Ligue 1 campaign.
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