Sunderland are now in advanced talks to add a new winger to their squad on deadline day

Sunderland have made a major deadline-day breakthrough after agreeing a deal to sign winger Malick Fofana.

The Black Cats have been searching for added firepower in the final third throughout the summer transfer window, with Fofana emerging as a strong option as he neared an exit from Ligue 1 side Olympique Lyonnais. They had been in talks with Marseille over a move for Igor Paixao but have now moved on Fofana, and it’s understood that the club have now agreed the outline of a deal.

Fofana has been given permission by his club to travel for a medical, and it’s understood that the outline of a five-year contract is now in place. The deal is expected to be concluded before the 11pm deadline on Tuesday, providing there are no late issues. Fofana has agreed the move and is set to be enthused by the project on Wearside and the prospect of competing in European competition this season. Arsenal had been pursuing a move for Fofana in the closing stages of the window, but could not agree a fee.

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Black Cats will pay a fee of around £25 million with potential future add-ons to be realised. It is set to be a busy day on Wearside, with Spurs centre back Kevin Danso now also close to a move to the Stadium of Light. Sunderland will sign the Austrian international on an initial loan deal, but an obligation to purchase of around £25 million.

If concluded as expected, Danso and Fofana would be come the club’s fourth and fifth signings of the summer transfer window.

Your next Sunderland read: Follow deadline day live with all the key Sunderland updates you need