Southampton’s Sofiane Boufal is close to joining Angers, according to multiple reports coming out of France.
The 27-year-old came up through the ranks of the French club’s youth system before leaving them for Lille in 2015, and a year later, he joined the Premier League side.
According to L’Equipe, the Ligue 1 side internally discussed the possibility of bringing the Morocco international back to the club two months ago.
Angers approached the Saints player two weeks ago and after asking for time to consider their approach, he has given his approval to return to his former side.
The attacker is determined to relaunch his career and look for a sporting project that can help him regain his confidence.
Olympiacos and Real Betis showed interest in Boufal and he also received lucrative proposals from China and Saudi Arabia.
Angers, via their sporting director Sébastien Larcier, have offered a long-term contract, and the contractual agreement was reached last night.
Beşiktaş ‘were ready to outbid’ the French club, but Angers found an agreement with Southampton a few hours ago. L’Equipe explains ‘barring an unlikely turnaround’, Boufal should sign for Angers tomorrow. 
Foot Mercato also explains Boufal is ‘very close’ to joining Angers after rejecting offers from Olympiacos and Istanbul Başakşehir.
