Besiktas bid for Lens not enough

IN-DEMAND Jeremain Lens could be on his way out of Sunderland before the season kicks off, according to Simon Grayson.

The Black Cats boss confirmed reports the club had rejected a bid – understood to be from Turkish club Besiktas – for the wantaway forward, saying it did not meet Sunderland’s valuation.

Dutch international Lens has missed Sunderland’s last two friendlies, against Celtic and Scunthorpe United, through injury after picking up a knock at Bradford City last weekend, but when asked if the 29-yearold would be fit for Friday’s season opener against Derby County, he raised the possibility that an improved offer could make the player’s fitness irrelevant.

Asked about his absence against Celtic yesterday, Grayson said: “Everyone is aware that we had a bid the other day that did not match our valuation of him, but he was injured in any case after the Bradford game last weekend so he wasn’t available today.”

And when the possibility of Lens being fit to face Derby was mentioned, he responded: “It depends how he goes in the next few days – he might not be here in the next few days if a bid comes in as well, so we’ll have to wait and see.

“We’ll analyse him in the next few days, along with other players who have been out injured today.”

Lens spent last season on loan with Fenerbahce, and was a hit in the Turkish league.

Meanwhile Sunderland’s Tunisian midfielder Wahbi Khazri has also been linked with moves away from Wearside, and he limped off in the first half against Celtic after taking a knock, with G r a y s o n adding: “He turned his ankle so we’ll see where he is in the next few days.” Jeremain Lens