Sky Sports are reporting thatLille midfielder Sofiane Boufal will undergo a medical on Sunday, ahead of his move to Southampton.
The Saints are said to have agreeda £17m feewith Lille, £15.3 up front and and £1.7m in add-ons. Lille have also negotiated a sell-on clause of 15 per cent.
Sky sources: Lille striker Sofiane Boufal will have medical ahead of Southampton move tomorrow: https://t.co/Q220D0qzix
The fee will top Southampton's transfer record, still held byDani Osvaldo whojoined for £14m back in 2013.
Boufal's campaign came to an early end last season, with the attacker suffering a knee injury in May. However, he was able to register 14 goals and 10 assists in all competitions for the French outfit. It is understood that he will be ready to return to action around the middle ofnext month.
Claud Puel spent six years as Lille boss, managing at the club from 2002 to 2008, and is believed to be instrumental in this transfer, having watched the player impress for the Ligue 1 side last season.
Boufal was born in Paris, but has opted to play for Morocco, as he qualifies through his parents. He won the award for best African player in Ligue 1, and can operate as a No.10 on on the wing in attack.
His contributions would be quite welcome at Southampton, with the club losing manager Ronald Koeman to Everton and having to start afresh this season.
The Saints have failed to win a game this season, having played three times. They drew 1-1 with Watford on opening day, followed that up with a loss to Manchester United and drew another match 1-1 with Sunderland on Saturday.