Romain Perraud has explained joining Southampton over Leeds United.

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, formerly of Brest, 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."