Premier League new boys Hull City are exploring a deal for Charleroi midfielder Yacine Titraoui.
The 22-year-old is part of Algeria’s World Cup squad and is expected to figure in their friendly against the Netherlands on Wednesday night.
Titraoui can play as a holding or box-to-box midfielder and scored five goals in 37 appearances last season.
Sunderland, Leeds United and Marseille have all followed his progress in recent months but Hull are now looking into a deal to bring the energetic Algerian to the top flight with Charleroi looking for around £10m.
Yacine Titraoui, who is part of Algeria’s World Cup squad, is a target for Hull
Sport director Jared Dublin and head of recruitment Martin Hodge have been collating dossiers on potential signings over the past year and held a meeting with coach Sergej Jakirovic in the immediate aftermath of their Championship play-off final victory over Middlesbrough to determine what they needed to strengthen their squad.
They have identified key positions, such as goalkeeper and left-back, but know they need to improve general quality in depth also.
Titraoui is one they believe could suit their style against Premier League opposition.
Championship clubs eye Liverpool star
Liverpool midfielder Luca Stephenson is wanted by Championship rivals Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers.
The 22-year-old has spent the last two seasons playing on loan in the Scottish Premiership with Dundee United, where he won their young player of the year award, and is ready to make his next move a permanent one away from Anfield.
A number of Scottish Premiership and English Championship teams have shown interest with newly promoted Bolton preparing a bid.
Liverpool are looking for around £1million for Stephenson, including add-ons.
However, if Bolton don’t match the valuation, it’s understood Blackburn could yet step in.
Liverpool, who are poised to confirm Andoni Iraola as their new head coach on a two-year contract, have also managed to convince young prospect Josh Abe that his future lies at Anfield.
Manchester City, United, Chelsea and Real Madrid were all interested in the 16-year-old.
Abe, an England youth international has signed scholarship forms and agreed a pre-contract to sign a professional contract when he turns 17 next year.
However, Liverpool’s 16-year-old striker Vincent Joseph could depart and is attracting interest from Manchester United and Bundesliga clubs.
