Leeds United appear to have turned their attention away from Romain Perraud as they continue to search for a new left-back.
The Whites were heavily linked with a move for Brest defender but he nows appears set for a move to Southampton instead.
It has been reported by French newspaper L’Equipe that Perraud will sign for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side next month.
Leeds pursuit to strengthen their left-hand side continues and perhaps comments from Victor Orta can offer some insight as to why they opted against Perraud.
The Leeds director of football had stated on May 28 he was hopeful Leeds would have all their business conducted by the end of June.
“It’s a strange market, I think obviously I want all the new players to start pre-season," he told The Phil Hay Show.
“I still have a long month of June and obviously I hope that the month of June we can finish the job.
“We can put our effort but it is not always just our side. Perhaps from our side, it is all done but there are a lot of people involved and it is out of our control.”
Orta's hopes were in part due to Leeds' forward planning but also to offer new recruits a chance to settle and experience a full pre-season under Marcelo Bielsa.
The Argentine's physical demands have left previous late recruits playing catch-up, delaying their introduction into the squad.
Southampton, though, are facing a club vs country row, with Perraud hopeful of representing France at the Olympic games this summer in Tokyo.
With France able to select one player over the age of 24, Perraud will be in contention given a vast number of Les Blues' stars are away at Euro 2020.
Should Perraud go to the Olympics, he may not return back to St Mary's until August 6, just over a week before the Premier League season begins, ruling him entirely out of pre-season.
