Sunderland Eye Up Trio Of Big Money Wingers

Sunderland have their sights firmly set upon attacking talent with a trio of wingers led by Jeremain Lens being linked with moves to Wearside. The Dutch international can play as a forward, though he is used to playing on the left side of a front three, ideal for Sunderland's needs, and he is understood to be the closest target for Black Cats, though a fee is yet to be agreed upon. Stade Rennais man Paul-Georges Ntep and England international Andros Townsend have also both been linked to the Black Cats, though they could be backup options if they fail to land Lens. The 22-year-old Ntep is a highly-rated talent in France, and broke into the national team set up this year following a series of impressive performances. He fits the mould of what Advocaat is looking for as a left winger with pace and power. He has been tentatively linked with Moncao, PSG, Spurs and Liverpool in the past, but now reports suggest the Black Cats have launched a ‚9 million bid. Andros Townsend is a far more familiar prospect, with the Spurs winger having a big impact on the England squad, despite faltering at club level. However, current chairman Daniel Levy is a notorious negotiator and is believed to be asking for a staggering £15 million for a club to secure Townsend's services. Aston Villa are also in the hunt for the explosive winger, and are the current favourites to sign him with the Tim Sherwood link in tact, which Newcastle have also been credited with interest lately. Sunderland also maintain an interest in Stewart Downing, though he could fill a midfield role rather than the trio of highly attacking talents possibly set to land at the Stadium of Light.