Wahbi Khazri's Sunderland exit is looming large as another side join the race for the Tunisian attacker.

French side St Etienne are reported by L'Equipe as the latest club to be linked with the 27-year old, who spent the last season playing in France with Rennes.

Turkish club Besiktas have also expressed an interest in Khazri, who recently represented his country in the World Cup in Russia.

He scored in the final game, a 5-2 thumping at the hands of Belgium.

They wanted him on a two year loan deal, but that was dismissed by owner Stuart Donald who wants to move the player on for a fee to boost his side's budget for the forthcoming season.

There was also talk of a free transfer simply to free up the wages, but Sunderland are hopeful someone will meet the asking price, which is what the L'Equipe reports suggest is now close to happening.

Khazri arrived from Bordeaux in 2015, scoring against Manchester United early in his Black Cats career. Since then he's struggled to make an impact, currently boasting just three goals for the Wearsiders.

The Verdict

Khazri is just another name in a long list that will send shivers down the spine of Sunderland fans. He never settled on Wearside, his goals return was appalling and his continued presence on the wage bill is an affront to those working hard to secure the club's future.

Owner Stuart Donald is quite right not to just cut his losses and run though, there's an agent there set to make some money and Sunderland should make some back on the player too.

 

 

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