SAINTS are still hoping to sign Radhi Jaidi, despite a deal for the centre back taking longer than expected.

As revealed by the Daily Echo on Tuesday, Saints have been in talks with the 33-yearold free agent about a move to St Mary's.

The Tunisian international underwent a medical on Monday ahead of sorting out personal terms, the Echo understands, but the two parties have been unable to finalise a deal since.

It had been hoped that Jaidi, who was released by Birmingham in the summer, would be a Saints player by now, but the proposed move has not progressed quite as smoothly as expected.

Both the club and the player’s representatives are continuing to attempt to iron out one or two outstanding issues, as new manager Alan Pardew looks to bolster his defence ahead of Saturday's League One curtain raiser against Millwall.

At 6ft 4in tall, Jaidi would offer the Saints boss the height he craves at the back, where they have struggled to cope with set pieces in particular.

He would also add greater depth to the heart of the defence, where the inexperienced Olly Lancashire is currently the only cover for centre backs Wayne Thomas and Chris Perry.

Pardew is keen to give Lancashire more time to develop in the reserves before using him in the first team and Jaidi would likely partner one of Perry or Thomas.

However, the longer a deal for Jaidi drags on, the more concern will grow that it will not be completed.

Should that be the case, it is understood Pardew has other targets in mind that could help Saints defensively.

However, Jaidi is first choice and Saints still hope to have him in place before they kick-off against Millwall at St Mary’s on Saturday.