SAINTS have reportedly agreed personal terms with Stade Brest defender Romain Perraud, according to Football Insider.

The media outlet claims the St Mary’s side have stolen a march on Leeds United to land the full-back’s signature.

Perraud, 23, was a key figure for Brest in Ligue 1 last season, playing 36 times and starting on 35 occasions.

He scored three goals and registered seven assists to help his side finish 17th in the French top flight.

Saints also dealt with Brest last year in securing the services of midfielder Ibrahima Diallo for £12million back in October.

Toulouse-born Perraud came through the youth ranks at Nice and went on to play four times for the club at senior level. A France youth international, he joined Brest in 2019.

Mail Online claim Perraud is Saints’ top target and is valued at around £9million.

Saints are in the market for a left-back with Ryan Bertrand set to leave the club on a free transfer this summer.

And manager Ralph Hasenhuttl says Saints are already on the lookout for replacements.

Speaking last month, Hasenhuttl said: “We were very far in the way that we bring somebody in, so I’m sure we will find a good solution for the summer.

"If we have the chance to bring somebody in in the summer on this position, a younger Ryan Bertrand if you want, that helps us with his quality or with his level of performances then we can develop this young lad and then we maybe get later a better player."

Saints currently have Jake Vokins on their books as a natural left-back, the youngster spent the second half of last season on loan at Sunderland.

The likes of Jack Stephens and Mohammed Salisu also filled in the role toward the end of the campaign, with Bertrand nursing a calf problem.

Saints finished 15th in the Premier League with 43 points from their 38 games but conceded 68 times in total, only relegated West Brom shipped more goals.