Reports from Belgium have linked the 22-year-old, who has seven caps for South Africa, with a transfer from Lierse, where he has spent the last two years.

Claasen had been one of a trio of South Africans at the Belgian club last season, but was the only player who emerged from the campaign with his reputation enhanced.

Both French teams are strengthening their squads for next season and have been following the progress of the Klerksdorp-born midfielder, even though he has been injured over the last months and missed Bafana Bafana's recent three international matches.

In the January transfer window, Claasen was linked with a move to English premier league club Queen's Park Rangers as they sought to strengthen their side for survival in the top flight of English football.

Stade Rennes finished sixth last season and narrowly missed out on playing in the UEFA Europa League.

Dijon were relegated in May after finishing second-last in Ligue 1 but want to bounce back.

Claasen was just 17 when he debuted for Ajax Cape Town in 2007, but after just two games moved to Ajax Amsterdam. There he failed to make the first team and was sold to Lierse in 2010.

South African internationals Junaid Hartley, Pierre Issa, Katlego Mphela and Thabang Molefe have previously played at French clubs.