Southampton are near to completing the signing of Brest defender Romain Perraud, according to Dan Sheldon of the Athletic.
The 23-year-old left-back is a target of a whole host of Premier League clubs, but it is the Saints who are in the front seat.
Southampton Nearing Romain Perraud Signature
Saints Join Several Interested Parties
Southampton have been long-time admirers of Perraud, and with Ryan Bertrand likely to depart this summer, recruiting a left-back has moved up the priority list.
In 35 appearances for Brest this season, Perraud netted three times and assisted a further seven. He is an attack-minded full-back and progresses brilliantly with the ball. As well as his goal contributions and ability to get forward, Perraud is also an excellent passer of the ball. His tendency to play diagonal long balls over his opposite numbers head has become a theme this season.
Newcastle United, West Ham United, and Leeds United are also in the running for the highly sought-after defender. In fact, Leeds have been monitoring Perraud since January. However, it seems that talks with Ralph Hasenhuttl have won him over.
Hasenhuttl is expected to continue his search for full-backs regardless of whether Perraud signs. Yan Valery, Jake Vokins, and Kyle Walker-Peters are the only contracted full-backs currently at the club and is an area that Southampton have been hoping to strengthen in these positions for a while.
Saints Remain Interested in Adam Armstrong
Southampton also join a high number of clubs hoping to secure the signing of Blackburn Rovers striker Adam Armstrong. The prolific forward netted 28 Championship goals in 40 games last season and was only pipped to the Championship golden boot by Ivan Toney’s record-breaking tally of 31.
Alan Nixon has previously reported that Blackburn’s asking price has deterred a number of clubs from pursuing a deal for the 24-year-old. But, it seems that there are still several Premier League clubs who are hopeful of landing the former Newcastle man.
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