Sunderland AFC news: Black Cats battling Toulouse and Al-Ahli Jedda for Marseille midfielder, Lens on exit talk

The Togolese international is out of contract in the summer, and is also wanted by Ligue 1 side Toulouse and Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli Jeddah report L'Equipe.

Romao, who has made 20 appearances this season, has been a regular player in the Marseille side in the past couple of years, and has previously attracted interest from the likes of West Ham, Everton, Newcastle and Hull City.

Sam Allardyce has already signed centre-back Jan Kirchhoff and striker Dame N'Doye but wants two more signings this window.

Romao, 32, also has a contract extension offer from Marseille to consider according to French sources.

Meanwhile, Sunderland forward Jeremain Lens has been addressing talk surrounding his future at the club.

The Dutch international, signed for £8million in the summer, has been linked with a move away from the North East after being disciplined last month but has since regained his place in the side and impressed.

Lens told the Echo: "I never spoke about leaving. It’s the media and all the things around me.

"We will see what happens. I'm a Sunderland player and I'm focused on Sunderland.

"I'm happy that I’m playing, but I wasn’t with the result at Spurs.

"Let’s hope I’m playing in the next game and we can get a good result."

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