The Red Bulls will bolster their defense by signing Damien Perrinelle of France, The Post has learned.

The 30-year-old Perrinelle had been on trial along with Brazilian midfielder Diego Souza Xavier and Scottish winger Martin Woods. A source said the club has hammered out a deal for the Frenchman, and though sporting director Andy Roxburgh insisted the Is aren’t dotted nor the Ts crossed, he admitted a signing was close.

“The French lad we’re interested in, let’s put it that way,’’ Roxburgh told The Post. “It’s ongoing. It’s not complete yet, but the French lad could be a possible addition for us. Hopefully we have something to tell you in the next couple of days, but we’re trying to follow up on that.

“This lad can play right fullback or a centerback. He can play there. He’s a good player, a very good player. He’s technically very good, so that’s why we’re giving him [a chance]. He’s a good player on the ball. He’s talented with the ball at his feet and he’s technically very good.’’

Acquiring Perrinelle – who played more than a decade in his native France, last on the books at Ligue 2 side Clermont Foot, and most notably spending four years with US Boulogne – would give the Red Bulls five centerbacks, along with Jamison Olave, Matt Miazga, Armando and Ibrahim Sekagya. The latter also can be used as a defensive midfielder, while Perrinelle also can play right back.

Gerard Houllier – who is entering his third year as Red Bull Head of Global Football – was familiar with Perrinelle from the French league.

“[Perrinelle] was here on day just before Christmas because he happened to be in New York. He came for one day, and that’s because Gerard knew him, so he came into see us,’’ Roxburgh said. “Gerard knows him well, and he’s the one that triggered this. He played in the first and second division in France.

“So this time we brought him over because he was available. We brought him on over to have a look in that context and he blended in well.’’

Roxburgh said the Red Bulls thought they had an agreement to add a Designated Player last winter, only to have the player re-up with his current team for another season. He said they have several targets for this summer and felt signing a designated player was possible, but wouldn’t guarantee it.

Coach Mike Petke said he expects Costa Rican left back Roy Miller to return from injury and play 45 minutes Saturday against Arsenal.