Sunderland transfer news: Black Cats set £8m price tag on Holland ace

Fenerbahce have taken a step back in their pursuit of Netherlands international Jeremain Lens after Sunderland set an £8 million price tag on the winger.

A source close to the Turkish giants revealed to Turkish-Football.com that the Black Cats will not hold talks for any fee below £8 million and that Fenerbahce are unwilling to match the Premier League club’s valuation.

Furthermore, Fenerbahce’s transfer activity is restricted by Fifa Fair-play guidelines which would make it difficult for the Yellow Canaries to meet the price Sunderland have set.

Per the source, Lens has settled well in Istanbul and is happy to stay at the club if a deal can be struck.

Meanwhile, the Turkish outlet Fotomac has reported that Sunderland have rejected a player-swap deal for Lens from Fenerbahce.

Black Cats manager David Moyes blocked a potential swap deal which involved Lens heading to Fenerbahce and Gregory van der Wiel and Emmanuel Emenike coming to Sunderland.

The Netherlands international has three goals and provided eight assists in all competitions for Fenerbahce who have booked a place in the Europa League Round of 32. Lens has scored eight goals in 32 appearances for the Netherlands national team.

In other Sunderland transfer news, Crystal Palace have tabled a £7m bid for Patrick van Aanholt, according to the Telegraph.

Sunderland are currently 18th in the Premier League with just 15 points after 18 games but can escape the drop zone if they can record a victory over Stoke City this weekend.

Lens is expected to feature for Fenerbahce when they take on Adanaspor on Sunday. The Yellow Canaries find themselves in fourth place with 31 points and know they cannot afford to drop points and fall away from the leading pack.