SAINTS are closing in on centre half Radhi Jaidi as Alan Pardew aims to bolster his defence.

Pardew has made a commanding centre half his number one transfer priority ahead of Saturday’s season opener against Millwall and if things go smoothly then Jaidi is expected to be that man.

The 33-year-old is out of contract and available for nothing after being released by Birmingham in the summer following their promotion to the Premier League.

The Daily Echo understands that Jaidi underwent a medical at Saints yesterday and if the results come back all clear and personal terms are finalised he will become Pardew’s second signing after Dan Harding.

At 6ft 4in tall, Jaidi should solve the aerial problems that have dogged Saints and would prove the ideal addition at centre half alongside Chris Perry or Wayne Thomas, Pardew having said he considers Ollie Lancashire needs more time to flourish into a first team player.

Full story in today's Daily Echo