Sunderland ‘to prepare’ bid for Royal Charleroi midfielder Yacine Titraoui | OneFootball

Sunderland are weighing up a move for Royal Charleroi midfielder Yacine Titraoui. According to MediaFoot, the club have contacted the 22-year-old’s agent and are preparing to lodge a bid in the coming weeks.

The five-cap Algeria international has been on Sunderland’s radar across the last two windows without a deal materialising. He has six goals and four assists in 69 appearances for Charleroi in all competitions.

This season he has four goals and two assists in 35 domestic games, helping Charleroi reach the UEFA Conference League play-off group and the Croky Cup semi-finals.

Marseille are also heavily linked, and Titraoui featured in Algeria’s recent friendlies against Guatemala, a 7-0 win, and Uruguay, a 0-0 draw. Leeds United and Nottingham Forest have likewise been credited with interest, with his valuation as recently as February put at £4.25m.

Were he to arrive at the Stadium of Light, he would join a crowded midfield under Regis Le Bris that includes Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fee and Habib Diarra.

Typically used as a defensive shield, Titraoui averages 1.4 interceptions and 1.9 tackles per 90 minutes in the Pro League this season. He also averages 41 passes per 90, a team high, and has created 27 chances, so he would most likely be viewed as competition and a longer-term replacement for Xhaka.

Source: Sunderland Echo