Sunderland are poised to win the race against Crystal Palace for Lyon winger Malick Fofana in a transfer worth 30 million euros (£25.7m).
Sunderland reached an agreement before Palace submitted a rival offer, and the Black Cats are now expected to secure the 21-year-old Belgium international.
The transfer is believed to have progressed to the documentation phase.
Fofana is reportedly enthusiastic about moving to Sunderland as the club prepares for its first European campaign in 51 years after qualifying for the Europa League. Palace have also earned a place in the competition.
Arsenal previously tried to recruit Fofana, but the Premier League champions failed to reach an agreement with Lyon over the transfer fee.
Fofana started his professional career with KAA Gent before moving to the French top-flight club in 2024.
The winger is set to become another Sunderland arrival alongside Kevin Danso, who joined on loan from Tottenham with an option to make the transfer permanent.
Following a seventh-place finish in their first season back in the Premier League, Sunderland have also added defenders Thomas Meunier and Dayann Methalie, as well as midfielder Jules Ahoka, during the summer transfer window.
The Black Cats defeated Fulham on Sunday, responding to an opening-day loss at Ipswich in the 2026-27 campaign.
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