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Sunderland are closing in on a dramatic deal for Malick Fofana after responding to a late hijack attempt from Crystal Palace on transfer deadline day. The Black Cats have moved back into the driving seat to sign the Lyon winger by improving their terms, even after Palace matched their valuation and Arsenal had earlier withdrawn from the race.

Sunderland regain the initiative in the chase for Fofana

Sunderland have taken back control in the fierce battle to sign Fofana before the transfer window shuts on Tuesday night. According to RMC Sport, Sunderland have swung the situation back in their favour by offering higher commission payments to Fofana's representatives.

The Wearside club had first agreed a package worth €30 million plus €5m in add-ons, but Crystal Palace then came in with an aggressive late counter-offer of €37m in an attempt to hijack the move, leaving the transfer finely poised despite Fofana already having completed his Sunderland medical.

Crystal Palace make a strong push after Arsenal step away

Crystal Palace made a serious late attempt to persuade Fofana to choose London after Arsenal opted not to meet Lyon's asking price. Arsenal were given the opportunity to sign Fofana, but Mikel Arteta and the club's recruitment staff were unwilling to pay the £30m-£35m valuation set by the French club.

That gave Palace an opening, with manager Pierre Sage speaking directly to Fofana to outline their sporting project. Palace put forward attractive financial terms, but Sunderland moved quickly to make sure their agreed five-year contract with Fofana did not fall apart at the last moment.

Lyon get ready for life without the Belgian attacker

Lyon are ready to approve Fofana's exit as they work to complete their own attacking additions before the deadline. The Ligue 1 club are already close to finalising a move for Keito Nakamura to replace the winger once Fofana's sale is completed.

In spite of the intense bidding contest between Sunderland and Palace, Lyon have remained firm that any transfer must meet their financial demands. Sunderland now seem confident that their improved overall package will be enough to get the paperwork completed in time, bringing one of deadline day's most dramatic sagas to a close.

What next for Fofana and Sunderland

Sunderland and Lyon are now in a race against time to file the formal paperwork before tonight's 11pm transfer deadline. If every contract and regulatory approval is completed without any further late twist, Fofana will be officially presented as a Sunderland player and will link up with his new team-mates before their next match.