Sunderland manager Simon Grayson says he is working hard to get more players in ahead of the August 31 deadline.

The team moved to the second round of the Carabao Cup recently after defeating Bury by the slimmest of margins. The Black Cats are poised to clash with Norwich in a Championship clash next but the manager is focused on getting an attacker.

Sunderland have been linked with Grant Leadbitter but Grayson refused to confirm the interest in the city-bon star. So far they are in negotiations with Aston Villa over a possible transfer for Ross McCormack.

The Chronicle claims the club would likely complete the deal for cheap but decent attacking option YassineAyoubfrom FC Ultrecht this summer. Leicester City are also on the case of the Dutch winger and being a top flight side it might appeal more to the player.

Ayoubis a product of the Ajax academy. He can play in central and left midfield. He is in his final 12 months with his current side but seems interested in a move away from the club. The 23-year old has been a major player in the team since he joined in 2012 but he could move to England soon.

As Grayson is adding attackers, he is pruning unwanted players from the squad as well. The club recently sanctioned the transfer of Jeremain Lens to Besiktas. The player spent time on loan at Fenerbahce last term, scoring four times and creating 11 others; however, a permanent love to the club did not materialize. Besiktas quickly pounced and completed the move.

Lens played in the preseason with the Black Cats but has moved back to Turkey. He played with NEC, AZ Alkmaar and PSV Eindhoven before he moved to Dynamo Kiev. At Besiktas he would reunite with compatriot Ryan Babel, OguzhanOzyakup he knew from Alkmaar, and Aras Ozbiliz from his time at Ajax.