Lyon winger Malick Fofana has told all parties that he wants to join Sunderland, despite Crystal Palace’s attempt to hijack the transfer.
Sunderland had initially reached an agreement with Lyon to sign the 21-year-old, but Palace subsequently entered the race and tried to divert the deal to South London.
The contest for Fofana’s signature appeared to be moving in Palace’s favour, with the winger reportedly set to reunite with his former manager Pierre Sage. Sunderland had begun considering alternatives, including Benfica forward Dodi Lukebakio, as uncertainty surrounded the proposed move.
However, the latest development has swung the situation back towards Sunderland. According to Fabrizio Romano, Fofana has made his preference clear and informed the clubs involved that he wants to move to the Stadium of Light.
The transfer is understood to be worth more than £30m. Fofana has made six appearances for Lyon so far this season and has scored twice.
His decision represents a significant development in the battle between the two Premier League clubs, after Palace attempted to intervene following Sunderland’s agreement with Lyon.
Palace will nevertheless complete a signing from Denmark, having agreed a deal to bring in Dario Osorio from Midtjylland on loan. The arrangement includes an option for Palace to buy the player permanently.
Fofana’s proposed move to Sunderland would see the club secure the winger after a late challenge from Palace threatened to change the destination of the transfer. His preference for the Stadium of Light has now placed Sunderland in pole position to complete the deal.
The interest from both clubs follows a period of uncertainty over Fofana’s next step. Sunderland had been working towards an agreement with Lyon before Palace made their approach, while the possibility of joining Sage in South London appeared to offer Fofana another route.
Instead, the France Under-21 international has chosen the Sunderland option, with the north-east club now expected to press ahead with the move. The fee, which is understood to exceed £30m, would make Fofana a major addition for Sunderland.
Palace’s move for Osorio means they have also acted in the market, but their pursuit of Fofana has not resulted in a change to his preferred destination. The Chilean winger will join from Midtjylland on loan, with Palace retaining the option to make the transfer permanent.
Fofana has scored two goals in his six Lyon appearances this season and is now set to become the focus of Sunderland’s transfer plans, provided the remaining details of the move are completed.