Tiene linked with Sunderland

Valenciennes midfielder Siaka Tiene has reiterated his desire to play in the Premier League amid reports linking him with a switch to Sunderland. According to reports in the French press, the Black Cats are keeping tabs on the versatile left-sided player ahead of a possible summer transfer. Tiene has never hidden his ambition to go to England at some stage in his career as he feels it would be the best place to play. But the Ivory Coast international, who has enjoyed his best ever season in Ligue 1, insists he will remain focused on Valenciennes. "There are rumours linking me with a move to big European leagues," the 27-year-old told skysports.com. "It is true I have always dreamed of playing in England, because the league there is fascinating, the stadiums are always full and there is an appreciation for a tackle, a good pass, determination, everything. "I am very happy with my season. I played more than 25 games from the start and this is the best I have had since I came to Europe. "My future? I am still at Valenciennes unless something happens. I need to concentrate on our World Cup qualifiers."

Source: SKY_Sports