Algerians in Europe 2007-2008

[Al-khiyal]

Algerian international Bougherra may join Spanish club Real Betis

West Brom to swoop for Real Betis target Majid Bougherra

West Brom agree £2m Bougherra fee

Rangers beat Baggies to Bougherra

July 31, 2008 -- Scottish Premier League giants Rangers have announced the £2.5million signing of Algeria defender Madjid Bougherra from Charlton. The 25-year-old completed a medical at Murray Park before signing a four-year deal with the Ibrox side on Thursday night.

The French-born player, who was a target for Premier League new boys West Brom, can play in the middle of a back four or as a defensive midfielder.

He was signed by Charlton three days before the end of the January transfer window in 2007.

Bougherra moved to The Valley from Sheffield Wednesday in a £2.5million deal.

Wednesday had paid Crewe £300,000 for his services in 2006.

[Al-khiyal]

Algerian international Metref finally signs with French DFCO

July 31, 2008 -- After a month of testing and evaluation, USM Alger midfielder Hocine Metref signed a one-year, renewable contract with French second-division squad DF Dijon Cote-d'Or on Tuesday (July 29th), Le Buteur reported. "It's a dream that has just been fulfilled," the 24-year old Algerian footballer was quoted by Liberte as saying.

[Al-khiyal]

Portsmouth to rival Celtic for Algerian international Belhadj

August 3, 2008 -- Portsmouth are to join SPL club Celtic in the race to sign Algerian International Nadir Belhadj, who is keen on a move from current side RC Lens.

26-year-old Belhadj only joined Lens from French Champions Olympique Lyonnais in the January transfer window, but is looking for a move away from the Stade Felix Bollaert following the clubs relegation from Ligue 1 last season.

Belhadj had been linked with a move to Celtic after he was encouraged to come to the SPL by Brahim Hemdani, who plays for Celtic’s 'Old Firm' rivals Rangers.

The Algerian has 25 caps for his country and can play on the left side of defence or midfield, which suits Pompey manager Harry Redknapp following the sale of Sulley Muntari to Inter Milan, and is believed to be considering a £3.5million (€4.45m) offer for Belhadj to bring him to Fratton Park.

[Al-khiyal]

Premier League trio battle for Algerian

August 8, 2008 -- Blackburn, Stoke and West Brom are battling it out to sign Algerian international striker Rafik Djebbour.

The French-born star bagged 14-goals last season for his Greek club Panionios and has attracted interest from the likes of Olympiakos and Benfica in recent weeks.

But it appears he could be destined for the Premier League after all three made initial moves for the 24-year-old.

Reports in Greece suggest Stoke have shown the strongest interest and have made a firm offer to Panionios.

Djebbour is believed to be keen on a move to England and could be set to arrive in the country over the weekend to begin talks with all the interested parties.

[Al-khiyal]

Charlton land Bouazza on loan

August 9, 2008 -- Charlton have completed the signing of Fulham winger Hameur Bouazza on a season-long loan.

The Algeria international, capped five times, joined the Cottagers last summer from Watford but has found his first-team chances limited under new boss Roy Hodgson.

Bouazza scored eight goals in 83 league games for the Hornets and also had a spell on loan at Swindon before heading to Craven Cottage.

He made his debut for his country in February 2007 against Libya, notching his first goal in a 3-2 victory over Mali later that year.

Meanwhile, Southend chairman Ron Martin has confirmed Charlton have made an approach for midfielder Nicky Bailey.

[Al-khiyal]

Portsmouth to rival Celtic for Algerian international Belhadj

Portsmouth sign Algerian full-back - report

August 15, 2008 -- Algeria international Nadir Belhadj has agreed to join Portsmouth, claims L’Equipe, and Pompey must now agree a fee with Lens to complete the deal.

West Ham had also shown interest in the player recently, with Belhadj keen to leave Lens following their relegation from the French top flight. He previously said he wanted to move to Glasgow to join SPL champions Celtic.

But if L’Equipe is right, it seems that Pompey boss Harry Redknapp has succeeded in tempting the 26-year-old - who only joined Lens from French champions Lyon in January 2008 - to the South coast.