Sunderland’s Jeremain Lens set to join Besiktas ahead of rivals Fenerbahce.
Jeremain Lens is on the verge of joining Besiktas from Sunderland, according to Dutch publication Voetbal International, after the Turkish club beat their rivals Fenerbahce to his signature.
This comes after the Chronicle reported that the Black Cats had rejected an initial bid for Lens, but manager Simon Grayson admitted the winger could still leave the club before the 2017/18 Championship campaign kicks off on Friday (August 4).
Jeremain Lens of Sunderland.
“Everyone is aware that we had a bid the other day that did not match our valuation of him,” Grayson said.
“He might not be here in the next few days if a bid comes in, so we’ll have to wait and see.”
Lens spent last season on loan with Fenerbahce and the Istanbul club were keen on signing the 29-year-old permanently this summer.
Instead the Netherlands international will head to Besiktas, with the prospect of Champions League football with the reigning Super Lig champions perhaps influencing the decision.
Jeremain Lens of the Netherlands in action during a FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier.
This comes just a few weeks after Grayson hinted in the Northern Echo that Lens could be staying at the Stadium of Light and helping the club in their first season back in the English second tier in a decade.
However, it was always believed the Dutchman would move on following Sunderland’s relegation from the Premier League and a return to Turkey looks set to be confirmed very soon.
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