Khazri’s plea to play in Premier League after Russia

SUNDERLAND’S Tunisia international Wahbi Khazri hopes he will be able to stay in English football when he returns from the World Cup.

The 27-year-old, who cost the Black Cats almost £12million from Ligue One side Bordeaux in January 2016, is still a Sunderland player after signing a fourand-a-half-year contract at the Stadium of Light.

But he spent last season back in France on loan at Rennes and with Sunderland now relegated to League One it is widely expected he will move on.

Rumours so far have included the possibility of moves to Marseille and Lyon, while Rennes would also be keen to sign him to a long-term deal.

But attacking midfielder Khazri, who has been used up front by Tunisia in Russia and who played in the 2-1 defeat against England, admits the lure of the Premier League is a factor in his future.

He said: ‘It’s not easy for a Tunisian to play in the Premier League, so I feel privileged because of the opportunity I’ve had.

‘Now I am focused only on the World Cup, but I would like to continue playing in English football if I can.

‘We’ll see. I will be open to all ideas and listen to everything.’

Rumours suggest Sunderland could be willing to sell the player for significantly less than they paid.

But with a contract in place until 2020 they can afford to wait for the right offer.

Khazri will play in his final Group G game for Tunisia on Thursday evening, against Panama in Saransk.