Fenerbahçe president Aziz Yildirim has denied reports his new manager Aycut Kocaman doesn’t want to sign Sunderland’s Jeremain Lens: “We’ve made an offer him. Let’s see what the future brings, but we’re optimistic.”
NtvSpor have claimed Fenerbahçe are the first club to make an official offer for Lens, but this was quickly rejected by Sunderland. The Turkish side’s local rivals Besiktas are also reported to be interested in the Netherlands international.
The Turkish website say Fenerbahçe have informed Lens’ agent how much they are willing to increase their offer by to sign the Dutchman, and he will now hold talks with Sunderland. NtvSpor claim Sunderland may be forced to lower Lens’ price because Fenerbahçe’s first offer is nowhere near the English side’s valuation of the player.
Lens was recently asked about his future saying: “I’m not going to answer this question (If he wants to go Besiktas) The season ends and we’re looking towards our national team matches and then holidays. Everything will then be clearer.”
With five goals and fifteen assists last season for Fenerbahçe it seems the Sunderland attacker will be well sought after in Turkey during the summer window.
