FRENCH club Angers have "entered into discussions" to sign Sofiane Boufal from Saints, according to a report in L'Equipe.

The French outlet claims the Ligue 1 outfit are attempting to pull off a "major coup" by snapping up the 27-year-old and are said to be awaiting his decision.

Boufal has been linked with various clubs in recent months, including Olympiakos, with L'Equipe also claiming the Morocco international has rejected offers from China in a bid to find a European club.

Earlier this month, Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl admitted he would be willing to let Boufal leave St Mary's.

He said: "We have a few guys who can still move (in this transfer window). Maybe he (Boufal) is one of those, yes."

Boufal was Saints' club-record signing when he arrived from Lille for £16million in 2016.

He has netted five goals in 84 appearances for the club, but spent the 2018-19 campaign on loan at Celta Vigo.

Boufal returned to the fold under Hasenhuttl last season, featuring 25 times, most recently in the 3-0 win at Norwich in June.

But he has not featured in a matchday squad for any of Saints' three matches so far this season.