Leeds are reportedly interested in speed machine winger Lens.
Jeremain Lens is reportedly a January transfer target for Championship side Leeds United, but could Besiktas’ current financial plight help the Whites conclude a deal?
Turkish outlet Fotomac claim Leeds want 31-year-old winger Lens who is in impressive form for Turkish side Besiktas. He has scored five goals and created six more in his 19 league and cup appearances this season.
A 34-time Netherlands international, Lens has scored for big clubs including the likes of Dynamo Kiev, PSV Eindhoven, Fenerbahce and AZ Alkmaar, and also had a spell with Sunderland during their time in the Premier League.
Leeds are said to have scouted Lens back in November, as he scored a brace to help Besiktas beat Sarspborg 3-2 in the Europa League. Now, Leeds may find themselves in an even better position to land the powerful attacker.
That is because former Real Madrid defender Pepe has had to leave Besiktas due to the club’s financial problems. The club are desperately trying to cut their wage bill, and it is said ex-Liverpool winger Ryan Babel could be next.
It is also likely that if Besiktas were to receive a bid for one of their players, then they may be forced to accept – allowing Leeds a run at Lens despite his contract with the club expiring in the summer of 2022.
Leeds have plenty of options out wide in Gjanni Alioski, Pablo Hernandez, Jack Clarke and Jack Harrison, but Alioski remains rather inconsistent and is somehow holding onto a starting spot in Bielsa’s side.
Marcelo Bielsa has guided Leeds to the top of the table and there is real hope that the club could return to the Premier League for the first time since 2004. Lens – who joined Besiktas for £4.5million (Mail) – would be crucial to that.
His experience, eye for goal and ability to create something out of nothing could give the Whites the difference in a match where they desperately need a goal. Besiktas’ woes could be Leeds gain.
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