Recap & Rumours: Sunderland linked with Cameron Jerome & Khazri could replace Lens at Fenerbahçe

Sunderland linked with Norwich striker

Transfer stories are a little flawed currently at the manager-less Black Cats but that hasn't stopped the press reporting that Sunderland will challenge Middlesbrough for Norwich forward Cameron Jerome.

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The 30-year-old is thought to be free to leave Carrow Road this summer and the A19 rivals are being linked with making a move for the striker to bring him to either Wearside or Teesside.

The much-travelled front-man had a decent season in East Anglia in an otherwise underwhelming Norwich campaign. Jerome scored 16 goals and provided a further 8 assists as the Canaries finished in the top half of the Championship.

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A former England Under-21 international, the 6ft 1in striker began his career with traineeships at various clubs including Middlesbrough before bursting onto the senior scene with Cardiff. From there, Jerome has had spells at Birmingham, Stoke and Crystal Palace and has over 100 career goals to his name in nearly 450 appearances.

Norwich are seeking to overhaul their squad this close season to launch a fresh bid to return to the Premier League and appear to have told a number of first team members that they are willing to listen to offers for them.

Sunderland have already been linked with Canaries' midfielder Jonny Howson who is another long-standing member of the Carrow Road outfit set to depart this summer.

Jeremain Lens - replaced by Wahbi Khazri?

Sunderland misfit Jeremain Lens still faces something of an uncertain future. The 29-year-old has two years left to run on his deal at the Stadium of Light but will likely never set foot anywhere near Wearside again.

Desperate to stay in Turkey, the Dutchman has recently been reiteraring his desire to stay at Fenerbahçe next season but says his future will depend on Sunderland.

And with Lens heavily linked with a switch to Beşiktaş, the president of the Turkish champions appeared on TV over the weekend to strongly hint that his club remain interested in signing the Sunderland midfielder.

Dutch champions Feyenoord are also said to be keen on Lens but the player himself is thought to favour remaining in Turkey because he can earn more in the Supa Lig than the Eredivisie.

Reports in Turkey continue to claim that Wahbi Khazri could be a direct replacement for Lens at Fenerbahçe. The Tunisian has already declared that he will depart the Stadium of Light this summer.

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The issue preventing Fenerbahçe from hanging onto Lens remains that the purchasing activity of the Turkish club will be severely hampered by Financial Fair Play restrictions in the upcoming transfer window.

With Sunderland keen to cash in on Lens, Fener likely can't afford to buy him this summer. And neither will they be able to fork out for Wahbi Khazri either. And that would mean the 26-year-old may yet leave Wearside on loan.