Sunderland allowed Wahbi Khazri to spend the 2017/18 season on loan at Rennes. He was instrumental in helping the Ligue 1 outfit qualify for the Europa League, scoring nine goals and registering two assists in 24 league appearances.
It’s no secret the French club want to secure his services on a permanent deal. He has two years left on his contract with the English side, who were relegated from the Championship after finishing bottom of the table.
The player still hasn’t made a decision as he is with Tunisia at the 2018 World Cup. Today’s edition of the French newspaper claims Sabri Lamouchi’s side could face competition in signing the forward.
Saint-Étienne have now joined the race to sign the Sunderland player in the summer transfer window.
Jean-Louis Gasset’s side have already held ‘detailed discussions’ with the 27-year-old. A move to Saint-Étienne means Khazri will not be able to play in Europe next season.
Rennes have qualified for the Europa League and they remain hopeful to use that to their advantage in convincing Khazri to join them on a permanent deal this summer.
If Saint-Étienne beat Rennes to signing the Tunisian international, the latter club will then shift their focus to Guingamp’s Clément Grenier or Sofiane Boufal of Southampton.
Boufal leaving Southampton this summer is a real possibility, after a difficult end to the season under Mark Hughes.
