Sunderland submit late transfer offer for FC Augsburg midfielder Alexis Claude-Maurice

Sunderland AFC submitted a written offer to FC Augsburg for midfielder Alexis Claude-Maurice shortly before the transfer deadline. The Premier League club initiated the bid at 22:30 CEST on September 1, leaving little time to finalize a deal before the English window closes at midnight. It remains unclear if the 28-year-old is a primary target or a contingency plan in the event that Sunderland fails to secure Olympique Lyonnais winger Malick Fofana. Claude-Maurice joined the German club two years ago and has recorded 15 goals and seven assists in 61 appearances. While the German transfer window closed earlier at 20:00 CEST, Bundesliga clubs retain the ability to sell players to leagues with active transfer deadlines. Sunderland must now work quickly to complete the move if they intend to bring the former OGC Nice and RC Lens player to the squad.

• 9:25 PMYahoo Sports — Sunderland submit offer to FC Augsburg to sign Alexis Claude-Maurice
• 9:25 PMYahoo Sports — Sunderland make last-minute offer for Augsburg star