New Southampton signing Romain Perraud says he sought advice from former Brest teammate Ibrahima Diallo before putting pen to paper on a four-year deal at Southampton.

The 23-year-old left-back has become Saints' first signing of the summer for Southampton.

“Before my signature I sent many messages on WhatsApp with Ibra Diallo," he told the club's website.

“He (Diallo) spoke with me about the club, the environment of the club and he told me good news. Ibra is a very good person, so I can have confidence in him.

“I know many players, like Kevin Keegan and Peter Shilton, and I know this club has won one FA Cup in 1976. I know this club. There have been many good players here, like Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott, who is here now.

“For me, it's the best league in the world, the Premier League. I'm very excited to try to challenge myself in this championship.

“When I was young, I would watch the games on the TV. I went to see a game in London and I was impressed by the intensity."