RYAN Dickson looks set to become Saints’ first summer signing, with the leftback due to undergo a medical at the club.

The defender is out of contract at Brentford this summer and has turned down a new deal at Griffin Park.

Saints boss Alan Pardew has been tracking the 23-year-old for some time now.

As reported by the Daily Echo last month, Saints were preparing to offer the player a contract.

Dickson is understood to see his future away from Brentford and is keen on a move to St Mary’s.

Although the Bees would have liked to have kept hold of him, they have been resigned to losing Dickson since Saints’ interest became known.

Barring any last minute hitches, the Cornwall-born defender looks set to make the move from London to Southampton.

A compensation package will have to be agreed for Dickson, though, as he is under the age of 24.

If Saints and their League One rivals Brentford cannot come to an arrangement between themselves, a tribunal would set the fee.

Bees manager Andy Scott has publicly stated he is willing to take it to that stage in order to receive what he believes is a fair price for the player.

Dickson started his career as a trainee at Plymouth Argyle.

After a handful of appearances for the Pilgrims, he was sent on loan to Torquay and Brentford.

The Bees then took the decision to sign him on a permanent deal in January 2008.

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