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Sunderland have made approaches for Everton’s James McCarthy and Aston Villa defender Joleon Lescott, according to sources.

While reports claim former Black Cats boss Dick Advocaat could make a move to take Jeremain Lens to Fenerbache.

McCarthy only signed a new five-year contract at Goodison last summer, having joined the Toffees as one of Roberto Martinez’s first signings in 2013.

The 25-year-old midfielder has made more than 100 appearances for Everton, including the full 90 minutes of Saturday’s Premier League opening-day draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

That would suggest he remains in new coach Ronald Koeman’s plans, though the Dutchman has signed midfielder Idrissa Gueye from Villa, and reports claim Sunderland have enquired about the availability of the Republic of Ireland international.

They have also, the Daily Record suggest, made an offer to Lescott, who is available on a free transfer.

David Moyes signed the former England international from Wolves for £5 million before selling him to Manchester City at a £17 million profit.

Though he has a year left on his deal at Villa Park, he has been told he can leave for nothing following a controversial relegation season during which the 34-year-old clashed with supporters after tweeting a photograph of his car in the wake of a 6-0 defeat to Liverpool.

Lescott has held talks with Rangers boss Mark Warburton, with an insider quoted as saying: “Warburton is well aware of the interest from Sunderland, which is why he was so keen to travel south to have a proper conversation with Joleon, man to man.

“It’s obviously difficult for a club with Rangers’ resources to be competing for players against English Premier League clubs but sometimes the little things make a big difference.

“Clearly, Warburton wants to show Lescott how highly he is valued and how important he would be to the Rangers side.”

Sunderland’s pursuit of Lescott may be a result of suggestions Watford’s reported interest in Younes Kaboul is genuine.

And should the Frenchman leave Wearside, he may be joined by Lens.

The Dutchman has struggled to impress during his time at the club, and was an unused substitute at Manchester City last Saturday.

He joined Sunderland under Advocaat, who has relinquished a role with the Holland national team to take over as manager of Turkish side Fenerbahce, and reports claim he is keen to reunite with the former Dynamo Kiev winger.

Lens’ potential departure might explain reports in The Sun linking Sunderland with Swansea City wideman Jefferson Montero.

But the Black Cats face competition from Everton for the Ecuadorian, who the Swans have priced at £12 million whilst simultaneously offering him an improvement to a contract with two years still to run.