Sources: Crystal Palace and Sunderland battle over Malick Fofana deal

Crystal Palace are ready to battle Sunderland over a late deal to sign Lyon winger Malick Fofana, sources have told Football Insider.

The pair of Premier League sides are now weighing up a late move to sign the 21-year-old, who recently rejected a potential move to join Hull City.

Both the Eagles and the Black Cats are in the market for attacking reinforcements ahead of Tuesday's 11pm deadline, and they have both identified Fofana as a strong option.

The starlet has been linked with several Premier League clubs in the last 12 months, but it is now Palace and Sunderland who are ready to make a late push for him.

Fofana endured an injury-hit campaign last term, as he managed just 12 Ligue 1 appearances, but still registered three goal involvements.

However, he really caught the eye back in 2024-25, when he ended the campaign with 11 goals and five assists in all competitions.

Crystal Palace eye Malick Fofana's European experience

Both Palace and Sunderland are preparing for Europa League campaigns this term, and know that their squad will need to be strengthened in order to compete.

They are both in the market for last-minute additions as a result, and are likely to go head-to-head for Fofana's signature over the next 48 hours.

The youngster has emerged as one of Ligue 1's most impressive young talents in recent years, and is already a consistent attacking threat for Lyon at just 21.

He is also vastly experienced when it comes to playing European football, having netted six goals in the Europa League across the last two seasons.

However, Lyon value Fofana highly as a promising young talent, and a move to sign him before the deadline will not be easy for either club.

Crystal Palace's updated Ismaila Sarr stance

Football Insider revealed last week that Palace still have no intention of selling Ismaila Sarr to Liverpool ahead of the deadline.

The South London outfit have already rejected a £50million offer from the Reds, who are pushing hard to sign the wideman, with Cody Gakpo likely to leave Anfield.

However, Palace have no intention of granting the Reds' wish, as they see Sarr as being too important to lose in the middle of the season.

There is also significant interest from clubs in both Turkey and Saudi Arabia, but Palace are not prepared to entertain an exit of any sort.