Sunderland AFC have not pulled out of the intense battle to sign Belgium international winger Malick Fofana, 21, according to L'Equipe. The Black Cats believed they were in a strong position to land Fofana after agreeing a €35m Deadline Day deal for the highly sought-after left winger. Sunderland had even arranged a medical for Fofana. However, earlier on Tuesday, Crystal Palace appeared to have hijacked the move from their Premier League rivals by bettering that bid, with Lyon agreeing to a €39m transfer package.

The report added that a phone call from Palace manager Pierre Sage, who supervised Fofana's development at Lyon, persuaded the Belgian to move towards a switch to Selhurst Park. But the story has taken another turn. L'Equipe now says Sunderland have not abandoned their chase for the left-sided winger. The Black Cats are said to have revived their efforts by offering significantly higher commissions to the player's agents.

What is more, although Fofana is in London, he has still not undergone a medical with Crystal Palace, and the Eagles are currently unsure of the player's whereabouts.