Crystal Palace works to hijack Sunderland’s move for Malick Fofana on deadline day

Transfer deadline day is delivering exactly the kind of chaos it was designed for. Crystal Palace has launched a last-ditch attempt to snatch 21-year-old Belgian winger Malick Fofana away from Sunderland, which had already reached an agreement with Lyon worth approximately £30 million. Sunderland’s deal, which includes £25.6 million upfront and £4.3 million in performance-related add-ons, appeared all but done. Fofana was reportedly scheduled to undergo a medical and sign a five-year contract with the Black Cats, with an option for an additional year built in. Then Palace showed up with its wallet open. A deal that was nearly sealed Crystal Palace, according to French outlet L’Équipe, is now weighing an overbid to redirect Fofana to Selhurst Park. What makes this especially interesting is that Fofana reportedly rejected a move to Palace earlier in the summer. Why Fofana is worth the fight Fofana is a 21-year-old winger with prior European experience, which makes him a rare commodity at his price point. Both Crystal Palace and Sunderland are preparing for Europa League campaigns, and a player who has already tested himself in continental competition carries obvious appeal. Arsenal h...