talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has delivered a promising update on Southampton’s interest in Stade Brest defender Romain Perraud, which will surely leave Saints fans excited.
The South Coast club have regularly been linked with the French defender in recent weeks and now it seems as if a deal is close to completion, as Crook confirmed on Twitter that a deal is now close to reaching a successful conclusion for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side, who have seemingly seen off interest from Leeds United and Newcastle United to sign the 23-year-old.
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Perraud enjoyed an excellent campaign with Brest in Ligue 1 last season, making 36 appearances in the French top-flight, in which he contributed three goals and seven assists, earning a solid 6.84 rating from WhoScored for his performances.
Hasenhuttl is in desperate need of a left-back ahead of next season, after it was confirmed that Ryan Bertrand would leave the club following the expiry of his contract, whilst Jake Vokins’ lack of appearances on loan at Sunderland in League One emphasised that he is not ready for a starting role in the Premier League.
Therefore, it is great news for the Austrian that Southampton are close to confirming their first signing of the summer transfer window, and if Perraud can replicate his performances with Brest in the Premier League next season, then he will surely prove to be a shrewd acquisition.
We may well see a change in shape in order to accommodate Perraud next season, as last season saw Kyle Walker-Peters regularly bomb forward down the right-hand side from right-back, whereas Bertrand would play a much more conservative role and effectively become part of a back three.
However, Perraud very much seems to be an attacking full-back, so it seems unlikely that he will be utilised in a similar role, which could prove to be a good thing for the Saints when you consider their lack of attacking impetus in a number of games towards the end of the season.
Considering the dire need for defensive reinforcements, particularly at full-back, Southampton fans will surely be absolutely delighted with this update from Crook, and hopefully, Perraud’s signing will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
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