St Etienne plan double swoop

Southampton's Yoann Folly could seal a return to former club St Etienne.

Southampton's Yoann Folly could seal a return to former club St Etienne this summer.

The young midfielder is part of Les Verts' plans for next term and a deal is being discussed with Harry Redknapp's side.

The transfer needs to be ratified with the Championship club, who have stressed they wanted to retain the 20-year-old.

Folly, who has had loan spells with Nottingham Forest and Preston, joined Saints from St Etienne back in July, 2003, for £250,000.

Meanwhile, Alaeddine Yahia has been speaking about his proposed move as he believes a switch to Les Verts has been clinched.

"The St Etienne officials showed a great will," the Tunisian informed But. "But Southampton stood up for their rights and we can understand that.

"Today, I am released to be a St Etienne player at 100 percent. I will give back to the officials what they gave to me."

St Etienne are looking at setting up a double deal as only the finer points of the move for Yahia need to be finalised to rubber-stamp that transfer.