Sunderland are facing late pressure to finalise a key deadline day move

Sunderland are facing a late attempt from Crystal Palace to hijack their move for Malick Fofana.

The Black Cats made a major breakthrough earlier on deadline day when they agreed a fee with Olympique Lyonnais to sign the Belgian international, who was given permission to travel for a medical. Sunderland had agreed a five-year contract with the winger, who said yes to the move having been sold on the club’s project and the prospect of playing in the Europa League.

However, the club’s Premier League rivals are making a late move and are reported to have offered a fee higher than the €30 million package on the table from Sunderland. Former Lens boss Pierre Sage is said to have been in talks with Fofana to convince him to move to Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace will also compete in the Europa League this season.

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A decision on Fofana’s destination is expected soon in what is set to be a very dramatic end to the transfer window on Wearside.

Kevin Danso is close to an initial loan move from Spurs, while a number of outgoing deals are anticipated before 11pm. Simon Adingra has agreed an initial loan move to Ajax, while Alan Browne is also likely to be on the move.

You can follow all the latest in our deadline day live blog