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Sunderland may have pulled off one of the standout deals of the summer transfer window.

Regis Le Bris' Sunderland have stayed relatively quiet for much of the summer transfer window, but they now appear close to completing what could prove to be one of the signings of the season.

After Olympique Lyonnais failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League last week, the Ligue 1 side have been left needing to sell major assets urgently in order to satisfy French football's financial regulations.

As a result, key first-team players now have to be moved on before June 30, 2027, to ensure compliance.

Sunderland have moved quickly in an attempt to secure one of European football's most exciting young wingers, provided the transfer can be finalised before the deadline.

Lyon winger Malick Fofana has been granted permission to travel for a Black Cats medical ahead of completing a move to the north-east club.

Fofana, 21, is expected to sign a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light, according to The Athletic, in what would rank among the marquee transfers of the summer.

Arsenal had been linked in recent days with a move for the Belgium international, but the Gunners' apparent hesitation has given Sunderland the chance to put forward a more appealing offer to the emerging wide attacker.

Sunderland will play in the UEFA Europa League this season, the same competition Lyon dropped into after failing to come through the Champions League play-off round.

Fofana is highly regarded across Europe, although he has yet to test himself in English football. Even so, Sunderland's dressing room should help smooth his adaptation, with several French-speaking players and a young squad profile that fits well with the incoming Belgium winger.