Crystal Palace swoop for Malick Fofana despite Sunderland talks - sources

Crystal Palace have made a late move to hijack Sunderland's move for Lyon star Malick Fofana and are optimistic of securing his signature, sources have told ESPN.

On a hectic transfer deadline day, Fofana, 21, looked to have agreed a deal to join Sunderland for a move worth up to €35m on a five-year deal -- a €30m fee agreed up front with a potential additional €5m. Fofana had a medical booked with Sunderland.

But Palace have made a late move for Fofana and sources told ESPN the winger is weighing up switching his attentions to the London side.

Sunderland were optimistic of completing the deal, with Europa League football a big attraction for Fofana, but Palace moved late with Pierre Sage a big fan of the Belgian winger.

Arsenal were also offered the chance to bid for Fofana on Monday.

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Kevin Danso is expected to sign for Sunderland on a season-long loan deal, with an option to make the move permanent for £25m, sources have told ESPN.

Information from ESPN's James Olley contributed to this report.

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