Football
Peter O'Rourke, Transfer correspondent 9y

Sunderland bid for Netherlands forward Jeremain Lens, sources say

Sunderland have made a bid for Netherlands international forward Jeremain Lens as Dick Advocaat looks to bring his fellow Dutchman to the Stadium of Light from Dynamo Kiev, sources told ESPN FC.

Advocaat is keen to bolster his attacking options this summer as he is keen to avoid a repeat of last season's struggles when Sunderland narrowly avoided relegation.

Sunderland struggled for goals last season with midfielder Jordi Gomez and striker Connor Wickham finishing as the club's joint top scorers with just six goals in all competitons.

Steven Fletcher and January signing Jermain Defoe netted five and four goals respectively and Advocaat knows he must improve their goalscoring if they are to avoid another season of survival next term.

Adovcaat has identified Dynamo Kiev star Lens as someone who can help solve Sunderland's attacking problems, having worked with the player twice before at AZ Alkmaar and PSV Eindhoven.

The coach feels Lens' versatilty -- he can play out wide or as a striker -- will add an extra dimension to Sunderland's attack next season.

Lens is a regular member of the Netherlands squad and has scored eight goals in 28 appearances for his country and was part of the side that finished third at the 2014 World Cup.

Lens has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past with the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle, Everton, Aston Villa and Southampton all reported to have shown an interest in the attacker during his time in Netherlands.

The 27-year-old had the chance to move to England before making the move to Kiev in 2013 and he helped the club win the Urkrainian and league and cup double last season.

Lens has previously admitted he would consider a move away from Kiev for a new challenge in a major league and Sunderland are now ready to offer him the chance to come to the Premier League.

Sunderland are now waiting to see if their bid for Lens will be accepted by Kiev so that they can then get the green light to bring the player to England for talks and a medical.

^ Back to Top ^