Sunderland consider Malick Fofana as Grealish and Paixao alternatives

Sunderland are considering a late move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana as difficulties surrounding deals for Igor Paixao and Jack Grealish force the Black Cats to assess alternative options.

The Premier League side want to complete at least two more signings before Tuesday's transfer deadline, with a winger and central defender the priority positions.

There is also the possibility of a third late arrival should the right opportunity become available.

Paixao has been one of Sunderland's main attacking targets during the closing stages of the summer window.

However, negotiations with Marseille have proven difficult.

Sunderland have already seen at least one offer for the Brazilian winger rejected, and there has been no breakthrough in discussions over a transfer.

Marseille's stance means Sunderland cannot afford to rely solely on Paixao with little time remaining before the deadline.

That has encouraged the club to examine alternative attacking targets, with Fofana now emerging as a viable possibility.

Jack Grealish represents another player Sunderland have considered as they search for a winger.

The Manchester City attacker is discussing a potential move to Everton, however, and there is a belief that he would prefer to remain in the north west.

That potentially places Everton in a stronger position should Grealish leave City before the window closes.

With uncertainty surrounding both Grealish and Paixao, Sunderland are now keeping other possibilities open rather than risking reaching deadline day without another attacking addition.

Lyon's Fofana could therefore become increasingly important to Sunderland's plans.

The Belgian international offers the wide attacking profile the Black Cats are looking to add and is being considered as an alternative if their preferred deals cannot be completed.

At this stage, the information indicates Sunderland are considering a move rather than being in advanced negotiations with Lyon.

Much could depend on what happens with Paixao and Grealish over the remaining days.

Sunderland's recruitment team also have other business to complete, with a central defender still wanted alongside the new winger.

If opportunities develop elsewhere, a third signing before Tuesday has not been ruled out.

Sunderland must decide how long they are prepared to continue difficult negotiations for Paixao before turning their attention elsewhere.

Fofana could become a more concrete target if there is no breakthrough with Marseille, while Grealish's discussions with Everton may also accelerate Sunderland's decision. With a defender still required as well, the Black Cats face a busy final stretch of the window.