Sunderland appeared to have edged ahead in the race for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, having made significant progress toward a deal for the 20-year-old, according to Sky Sports. Arsenal had also been tracking the player, but it's Crystal Palace who have since moved to disrupt Sunderland's plans, reportedly agreeing terms of their own as the transfer saga takes another twist.
Despite Palace's late intervention, Sky Sports report that the Black Cats have been given fresh hope that their original agreement can still be pushed through, leaving the deal's final destination very much up in the air.
With multiple Premier League clubs circling and competing offers on the table, Fofana's next move remains unresolved. Sunderland, Palace and Arsenal's interest underlines the growing reputation of the Lyon winger, but as things stand, it is unclear which side will ultimately win the tug-of-war for his signature.