Nice defender Francois Clerc has reached agreement to sign a three-year deal with Ligue 1 rivals Saint-Etienne subject to a medical. Clerc, who learned his trade at Lyon where he won league titles in 2006, 2007 and 2008, has played at Nice for two seasons, appearing in 71 games and scoring six goals. The 29-year-old has also played 13 times for the French national side. Clerc becomes Saint-Etienne\'s second recruit for the new season after midfielder Renaud Cohade, who joined from Valenciennes.