Club president confirms interest in Sunderland winger Jeremain Lens

Orman has heaped praise on the 29-year-old and while he admitted they weren’t "desperate" he admitted they are interested.

And the Black Cats will be hoping it sparks a bidding war, with Fenerbahce and Feyenoord in his native Holland all battling for his signature.

Lens is understood to want to stay in Turkey with the winger having no future on Wearside as Sunderland look to balance the books following relegation to the Championship.

Orman told the Turkish press: "We are interested in Jeremain Lens, we were interested before he even joined Fenerbahce.

"Lens is an excellent player.

"We will see, at the same time it is not a transfer we are desperate for."

Lens has been in great form for Fenerbahce this season scoring five goals and providing 16 assists and it would be a controversial move should he move to their rivals Besiktas.

His chances of extending his stay at Fenerbahce have, though, diminished following Dick Advocaat’s departure to take the Holland job for a third time.