Wantaway Lens set to wave goodbye to Black Cats
GRAYSON CONFIRMS TALKS WITH BESIKTAS ONGOING FOR WINGER
JEREMAIN Lens’ Wearside exit is edging closer with Sunderland boss Simon Grayson confirming talks are continuing with Turkish side Besiktas over a move for the Dutchman.
Lens is still sidelined after picking up a knock in a pre-season friendly at Bradford City 10 days ago, and Grayson has ruled him out of Friday’s Championship opener against Derby County at the Stadium of Light.
And it seems increasingly likely Lens has kicked his last ball for the Black Cats, with Sunderland working out a deal with Besiktas having rejected an initial offer last week.
“Jeremain is injured at this moment in time and as things are progressing, he could be close to something happening anyway,” said Grayson.
“He won’t be available for selection, and I know talks are ongoing with Besiktas which may lead to a move for him.”
Sunderland are closing in on their seventh summer signing with Dutch keeper Robbin Ruiter on Wearside for a medical.
The 30-year-old free agent after leaving Utrecht over the summer and impressed while on trial, and is understood to have agreed a twoyear deal with the Black Cats.
But Grayson has indicated summer buy Jason Steele will start in goal against Derby.
The manager also said there are unlikely to be any more new arrivals before the Derby game, although he is working to bring in more players before the transfer window closes.
Grayson said: “Robbin is over here having his medical and that deal is very close to being done, so there will be more on that in the next 24 hours.
“He’s a player I like and I’m sure he will add to the competition for places in the goalkeeping department. I think Jason will start, though, because he has had more training under his belt.
He added: “Are any deals close to happening before Friday? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean we are not working on things.”
Grayson says he already has the XI that will start against the Rams in his mind.
Wahbi Khazri is available after recovering from a twisted ankle and Jack Rodwell is back in training.
But teenager Josh Maja will be out for around another week with a knee problem.
Left-back Bryan Oviedo will also be out of action for another week as he recovers from the calf injury he suffered on Confederations Cup duty with Costa Rica last month.
Grayson added: “For Friday night, I know what my team is going to be.
“Do I know what it is going to be in a couple of weeks’ time? No, because the transfer window is still open and – I’ve made this point many times – I think it should shut before the start of the season.
“As it is, players will be coming to the club and players will be leaving the club while the season is going on, so it won’t be until the first week of September that you know that this is the group of players you will be working with until January.”