SAINTS defender Romain Perraud is set to complete a permanent transfer to Spanish side Real Betis.

Perraud, 26, spent the last season on loan at OGC Nice following Southampton's relegation from the Premier League in 2023.

The Frenchman will not return to the club and is lined up to complete a move to top-flight outfit Real Betis this week.

The Daily Echo understands Betis will pay around £3million for Perraud, who Saints signed for £10million in 2021. 

Former France youth left-back Perraud made 60 appearances for Saints, scoring five goals and providing three assists.

Perraud made just two starts in Ligue 1 for Nice this season, who finished fifth in the top division and missed out on Champions League qualification.

When his loan was confirmed, Saints boss Russell Martin said: "I think Romain is an excellent player, but the way we play is probably not suited to him.

“People suit different ways of doing things. He really suited the way Southampton played before but not so much now – not that I’m saying he couldn’t do it." 

More to follow...