Algerians in Europe 2006-2007

[TonyStarks]

Southampon midfielder Djamel Belmadi has been offered an extension with the club, with his current contract running out this summer. Saints boss George Burley was satisfied with the 30-year old's season and sees him as a "valuable (player) when fully fit." The former Marseille player last played for Algeria in a World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in June of 2004.

[TonyStarks]

Paris SG are looking to sign Algerian-born defender Hemza Mihoubi from relegated club FC Metz, according to reports in "But Paris." The 20-year old left back would provide a backup to starter Sylvain Armand. PSG are considering a 3 or 4 year contract. The player has already received a 3-year contract offer from FC Metz, who will play in Ligue 2 next year.

[TonyStarks]

In an interview with Algerian sports newspaper Le Buteur, Lorient midfielder Karim Ziani has revealed that the majority of Ligue 1 clubs are looking to sign him and cited Turkish giants Galatasaray. The 23-year old had a breakout season with Lorient, leading them to 3rd spot in the standings with one game to be played, and being voted top player in Ligue 2. He has even been supervised by top European clubs such as Arsenal and Tottenham in recent weeks. However, it seems like Marseille, Saint-Etienne and Nantes are the leading candidates to sign him.

[TonyStarks]

FC Brussels defender Sofiane Zaaboub is on trial with with French club FC Metz. The 22-year old, who had a stint with Italian giants Juventus, made 20 appearances for the Belgian club this season and scored 1 goal. However, a recent run of injuries has really effected his on field performances. FC Metz will play in Ligue 2 next year after finishing 19th in Ligue 1 this season.

[TonyStarks]

The Owls have been joined by a host of Premiership and Championship clubs all desperate to sign highly-rated former Crewe Alexandre defender Madjid Bougherra.

Vital Sheffield Wednesday revealed Paul Sturrock's interest in the 23-year-old last month, and Wednesday have now been joined by Ipswich Town, Leeds United, Stoke City, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers and city rivals Sheffield United for his signature.

The Algerian defender spent a successful loan spell at Championship club Crewe Alexandra towards the end of the season, but his efforts weren't enough to stop the Railwaymen being relegated to League One.

Bougherra currently has one year left on his contract at French second division side Gueugnon but is keen to play his football in England next season. His success with Crewe means Gueugnon will be looking for a six-figure sum for the International.

Owls boss Paul Sturrock has expressed his desire to sign five players during the summer, and a central defender may be high on his priority list following the release of former Ipswich Town man Drissa Diallo last week.

[TonyStarks]

Striker Yacine Brahimi will join Rennes' Academy next year, the team has reported. The 16-year old, who spent the last 3 seasons at France's National Football Academy (INF Clairefontaine), turned down a number of major clubs including Arsenal, PSG, Lyon, Auxerre and Nantes. Brahimi played for PSG before joining INF Clairefontaine.

[TonyStarks]

French radio station RMC has reported that an Algerian youngster from Marseille, Djamel Menzi, is on trial to join the Real Madrid Academy. The attacking midfielder had trials with Serie A's Fiorentina and some Dutch clubs but was not signed because he does not possess an EU passport. The player is dubbed as the second coming of Zidane, who is also of Algerian origin and hails from Marseille.