Crystal Palace is making a bold attempt to hijack Sunderland's agreement for Malick Fofana, the Lyon winger. Initially set to join Sunderland in a deal just shy of £30m, Palace has stepped in with their own proposal, leaving the 21-year-old to make a crucial decision.

Fofana is currently traveling to England for a medical examination after being offered a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light. The deal for the Belgium forward includes an initial fee of £25.6m, with potential add-ons reaching £4.3m.

Previously, Fofana expressed enthusiasm about joining Sunderland, especially with the club gearing up for their first European campaign in 51 years after qualifying for the Europa League. However, Palace has also secured a spot in the same competition, complicating Fofana's decision.

Notably, Arsenal also showed interest in signing Fofana but failed to reach an agreement on a fee with Lyon.

Fofana began his professional career at KAA Gent before making his way to Lyon in 2024. Should he finalize a move to Sunderland, he would join fellow new signings Kevin Danso, who is arriving on loan from Tottenham, as well as defenders Thomas Meunier, Dayann Methalie, and midfielder Jules Ahoka. Sunderland is looking to build on their seventh-place finish in their first season back in the top flight.