Sunderland and Hull City handed transfer warning as target prepares for World Cup duty
Charleroi's Yacine Titraoui is reportedly a target for Sunderland and Premier League newcomers Hull City.
Sunderland and Hull City have been told one reported transfer target ‘dreams of playing in the Premier League’ as he prepares for World Cup duty with Algeria.
The Black Cats are currently finalising their plans for the summer transfer window as they look to boost Regis Le Bris’ squad in a bid to challenge on a number of fronts next season after the former Lorient boss led the club into European competition for only the second time in their history. A whole host of weird and wonderful names have been linked with moves to Wearside - and the latest came when Charleroi midfielder Yacine Titraoui was said to be on Sunderland’s list of targets after he impressed in Belgium last season.
However, Premier League newcomers Hull City are also said to be keen on a move for a player preparing to face Jordan, Austria and holds Argentina at the World Cup finals over the next three weeks. One report has claimed both the Tigers and Sunderland are ‘very interested’ in Titraoui - but has also warned his value could ‘explode’ if he impresses at the tournament.
A source said to be close to the player told Algerian news outlet Maghreb Foot: "It is true that Sunderland and Hull City are very interested in Yacine Titraoui, but the player is currently focused on the World Cup, which is fast approaching. I do not hide from you that I spoke with Titraoui, and he told me that his dream was to play in the English Premier League last season and that he does not want to play for any other team, in any other league.
"But as you know, the fate of Titraoui is in the hands of the management of the Belgian club Charleroi, which will not comment on the future of its player before his participation in the World Cup this summer. Imagine if Titraoui participates in the World Cup and shines with the Algerian national team; his value on the transfer market will explode! Charleroi is waiting for this to get the best possible price for the transfer of Titraoui.”