Hull City might have a secret weapon to help them secure top transfer target

City are looking to lure another of Algeria's exciting talents to the MKM Stadium

Hull City are embroiled in a race to sign Algerian ace Adil Boulbina and they hope Mohamed Belloumi can play a key role in getting a deal done.

Boulbina plies his trade in his native Algeria with Paradou AC, scoring 18 goals and picking up seven assists from 25 league games this season. His impressive form has alerted City in recent months, along with a number of other clubs both in Europe and the Gulf.

The 22-year-old, who is a left-winger, has been courted by French giants Marseille, Spanish La Liga outfit Real Betis and Al-Duhail in Qatar, among others. But City hope Boulbina's close friendship with compatriot Mohamed Belloumi will work in their favour.

Belloumi, who is currently working his way back from an ACL injury he picked up in the closing stages of the 1-0 defeat at Oxford United on November 5, came through the ranks in Algerian football with Boulbina, and the pair have remained in touch.

The El Milia-born talent is under contract until June next year, with City believing they can get a deal done this summer. Paradou are understood to be keen to sell to a club in Europe, and while Al-Duhail have put more money on the table - around 3m euros - the Championship club believe the lure of the Championship and a chance to play alongside Belloumi could swing the deal in their favour having had positive noises from his camp.

Boulbina has represented Algeria at both the Under-20s and U23s levels. He bagged two goals for his country in a convincing 3-0 win over the Gambia last month to seal qualification for the upcoming African Nations Championship. He also netted in a 2-0 friendly win over Rwanda on Monday.

Adding to their attacking ranks is high on the agenda for the Tigers this summer, after ending last season as the Championship's lowest scorers with just 44 goals, and will be the focus of new head coach Sergej Jakirovic.

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