Wahbi Khazri has admitted his chances of returning to Sunderland in the summer are slim and he is eyeing turning out in the Champions League next season.
The Tunisia international joined French Ligue 1 side Rennes on a season-long loan deal last summer following Sunderland's relegation from the Premier League.
While his parent club's fortunes have continued to tumble, with another relegation recently confirmed, Khazri has taken Ligue 1 by storm and now has several clubs looking to snap him up for next term.
And he feels a Sunderland return is unlikely, telling French radio station RMC: "Sunderland are going down to the third division, so it would surprise me if I stay there."
Khazri is not ruling out staying with Rennes, remarking: "It is a possibility. I am not closing any doors. I am open to everything. I am listening to everything.
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"I think that my advisers had to contact the leaders at Rennes, but they do not necessarily keep me informed because they know that I have other priorities at the moment."
But Rennes may struggle if they come up against a club ready and able to offer Khazri the chance to play Champions League football next term.
"I would love to play in the Champions League and see what I can do at that level.
"I think I am able to perform at that level, but saying it is one thing and doing it is another."
The 27-year-old has made 24 appearances in Ligue 1 for Rennes this season, scoring nine goals from an advanced attacking role and contributing two assists for his team-mates.
