Sunderland complete Fofana signing after dramatic saga

Malick Fofana has joined Sunderland in a £30.8m move - but the player nearly joined Crystal Palace on Deadline Day; Arsenal were also considering a move for Fofana but did not make a move; it was a saga of one medical, two teams and two private jets

Sunderland have finally completed the signing of Lyon winger Malick Fofana after a dramatic Deadline Day transfer saga involving two private jets and the player changing his mind multiple times.

Sunderland agreed a deal to sign Fofana on Deadline Day morning but Crystal Palace - whose manager Pierre Sage worked with him before at Lyon - tried to hijack the deal.

With both Premier League clubs agreeing a deal with Lyon for the winger, Fofana was then sat at Lyon airport, with two private jets waiting on him to make a decision. One plane was set for Sunderland, the other was set for London.

Fofana also took one medical in Lyon on Deadline Day that both teams had access to.

But just over an hour to go until the deadline, Fofana eventually chose Sunderland with Black Cats owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus travelling to Lyon to convince the player to join.

Fofana's move to Sunderland consists of an initial £25.7m with £5.14m in add-ons.

Arsenal were also considering a move for Fofana over the weekend but did not make a move for the player.

10:47am: After Arsenal did not take up the chance to sign Fofana, Sunderland agreed a deal with Lyon for the winger worth up to £30m.

1:01pm: Crystal Palace try to hijack Sunderland's five-year deal for Fofana by entering in direct communication with the player in an attempt to convince him to join them.

3:18pm: Crystal Palace agree a deal with Lyon for Fofana. Sunderland begin talks with fellow Belgium winger Dodi Lukebakio on top of the Fofana deal.

3.42pm: Fofana is at Lyon airport with two private jets waiting on him to make a decision - one bound for Sunderland and another for London.

8:24pm: Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus visits Lyon to try and persuade Fofana to choose Sunderland over Palace. The player effectively undergoes one medical for both teams.

9:38pm: Sunderland's attempts to sign Benfica's Lukebakio end as a decision is made for him to remain with the Portuguese club.