SAINTS defender Romain Perraud has explained what happened between him, Leeds United and Southampton before he signed at St Mary’s.

The Stade Brest Frenchman was initially a target for both Premier League sides before putting pen to the dotted line on the south coast.

Negotiations for Perraud began with both clubs, with Leeds contacting him first, but the 25-year-old reveals those exchanges “halted suddenly”.

Perruad, who has made 37 appearances at Saints since joining last summer, has been one of the team’s top performers this campaign.

“In January or February 2021, I was approached by Leeds and Southampton,” Perraud explained to So Foot. 

“From then on, I let my agents take care of it. For my part, I try to focus on what I have to do with Brest. My first mission was to leave Stade Brest in Ligue 1.

“Afterwards, everything went well, the exchanges accelerated towards April. It was a very stressful end to the season.”

He continued: “Leeds contacted me first, but negotiations came to a halt quite suddenly. Southampton were very keen and I was immediately attracted by the project.”

Perraud went on to reveal that the Saints pitch to him was what helped attract him to the club, including a detailed study of him before they made their move.

“The club seemed to me to be structured, rather healthy, and the philosophy of play corresponded to me,” Perraud said.

“Then the club’s scout told me that he had seen me play 52 times, which gave me confidence.”

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