Southampton have confirmed the signing of Frenchman Jeremy Pied on a two-year deal after the 27-year-old was recently released by Ligue 1 side OGC Nice.

The move sees Pied link up with Claude Puel for the third time. 

Revived deal

After his contract ran out at Nice, Southampton tried to agree terms with the right back but the talks eventually broke down. However, Puel was determined to link up with Pied once again and a deal was agreed on Monday.

Pied played under the Saints boss at Lyon before following him to Nice and it is clear to see that the pair have a special relationship. 

Pied playing for Nice last season: Photo Source: Mensquare
Pied playing for Nice last season: Photo Source: Mensquare

Schneiderlin help

Pied has revealed that former Southampton player Morgan Schneiderlin played a big part in his decision to join the club this summer. 

He told Southampton's club website that he 'played with Schneiderlin when he was younger' and that the Manchester United midfielder told him of the "wonderful facilities" at Southampton. 

Schneiderlin spent seven years at St Mary's before leaving the club for £24 million last year, meaning he is likely to be able to persuade fellow countrymen to join the club. 

Competition for places

Executive Director of Football Les Reed spoke to the club's website to express his delight at the new signing and current crop of players at Southampton. 

He described Euro 2016 hero Cedric Soares as an "top quality" right back and added that the addition of Pied will offer some fantastic competition for places.

He lauded Pied as a "versatile" defender, who will "push" the other players in that position to ensure they keep their spot in the team. It is likely that Pied will be used as cover, due to the current form of Cedric. It is clear to see Puel is adding depth to his squad, after signing Alex McCarthy last week. 

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