SAINTS are in talks to sell French forward Sekou Mara to Strasbourg, the Daily Echo understands.

Mara, 22, is expected to return to Ligue 1 two years after joining Southampton from Bordeaux.

The French youth international made 28 Championship appearances last season - scoring three times.

Mara did not make the squad for Southampton’s play-off victory against Leeds United but has featured regularly in pre-season.

He scored against Eastleigh and Bordeaux but missed the trip to Millwall through a minor injury.

His departure should provide funds for Southampton to sign Cameron Archer from Aston Villa. 

Archer, 22, spent last season at relegated Sheffield United - where he scored four goals in 29 Premier League appearances.

More to come…