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

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

Sunderland have tracked Titraoui across the last two windows without a deal. The five-cap Algeria international has six goals and four assists in 69 Charleroi appearances.

This season he has four goals and two assists in 35 domestic appearances. His form helped Charleroi reach the UEFA Conference League play-off group and the Croky Cup semi-finals.

Marseille are also strongly linked, while Leeds United and Nottingham Forest have been credited with interest. He featured in Algeria’s recent friendlies, a 7-0 win over Guatemala and a 0-0 draw with Uruguay, and was valued as low as £4.25m in February.

Should he arrive, he would join a crowded midfield under Regis Le Bris that includes Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fee and Habib Diarra. A holding midfielder, he averages 1.4 interceptions and 41 passes per 90 in the Pro League this season, with 27 chances created, so he would likely be seen as competition and a long-term replacement for Xhaka.

Source: Sunderland Echo