FC Dynamo Kyiv’s Jeremain Lens. (Photo : Reuters)
English club Sunderland AFC is close to signing FC Dynamo Kyiv's Jeremain Lens for a transfer fee of £9 million.
ESPN reported that the Dutch striker had already undergone medical tests with the Black Cats in England on Monday. Kyiv's general director Rezo Chehonolidze said that the transfer is "80 percent" to take place.
Lens had long been eyed by Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat, who aims to strengthen his team's goal scoring opportunities while the Amsterdam native was said to be keen in reuniting with his former coach this year.
The move is actually a mutual agreement between Lens and Advocaat as the 27-year-old Netherlands international had previously played for the Dutch coach in two Eredivisie clubs, AZ Alkmaar in 2009-2010 and PSV Eindhoven in 2012-2013.
"We have previously worked well together at AZ and PSV. We know each other, that's ideal. It's not all there yet, but it should be clear that I am really keen on a transfer," said Lens.
The 5-foot-10 winger is the product of Advocaat's system before joining Kyiv in 2013. He is known for being a versatile attacker with remarkable pace and stamina. He played 96 games in three seasons for PSV and scored 34 goals.
Lens had always been vocal about his desire to play in the Premier League and said that the offer is "a great opportunity to make the switch," as per The Guardian.
If the transfer pushes through, Lens would be the third new resident of the Stadium of Light this summer following Sunderland's acquisition of defenders Sebastián Coates from Liverpool and Adam Matthews from Celtic.
