Southampton close in on deal for Ibrahima Diallo

Brest midfielder Ibrahima Diallo looks set to complete a move to Southampton, with the talented France international under-21 player set to join the St Mary's outfit in a deal worth a reported £15 million. The player, who had previous spells with French giants Monaco, has caught the eye since moving to Brest sufficiently for manager Ralph Hasenhuttl to make an offer the French club can not refuse.

It appears that Leicester City and Everton have fallen out of the race to sign Diallo, leaving the Saints in pole position to snap up the coveted youngster.

"First we must wait until everything is finished," said the Southampton coach Hasenhuttl.

"I have seen so many things in this transfer window that finally the deal didn't happen.

"Let us wait until he is here and then we can speak about how important it is.

"We know we have to bring players in, we lost a few players, we have to do something and hopefully this deal will happen."

It is understood that Diallo will pen a four year deal with his new club.