Saint-Etienne have reportedly indicated that they wish to press on with their attempts to sign Sunderland forward Wahbi Khazri.
Khazri signed for Sunderland in January 2016 but the Tunisia international spent the last campaign away from the club, with 11 goals being scored in 28 appearances for Rennes.
The French team are allegedly keen to push through a permanent deal, but according to L'Equipe, Saint-Etienne are ready to try to edge out their fellow Ligue 1 side.
The report suggests that Saint-Etienne have not put together a deal as lucrative as Rennes, but that they remain confident of being able to tempt the 27-year-old to Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.
Khazri is no stranger to French football, having previously represented Bastia and Bordeaux before linking up with the Black Cats.
