Sunderland complete signing of Danso from Spurs and pushing to tie up Fofana deal

Sunderland have strengthened their defensive options with the signing of Kevin Danso on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

The 27-year-old Austria international completed the move to the Stadium of Light ahead of Tuesday’s summer transfer deadline.

It also includes an obligation to make permanent if they avoid relegation, for a fee of around £22m.

Sunderland director of football Florent Ghisolfi knows Danso well from their time together at RC Lens and believes the defender will add important qualities to the club’s squad.

“Kevin is a player I know very well from my time working with him at RC Lens,” Ghisolfi said.

“He will bring strength, character and know-how to the squad, and vast experience of playing in domestic and European competitions.

“We’re thrilled to add him to the squad for a historic season in Sunderland AFC’s history.”

Danso is now looking forward to beginning the next chapter of his career on Wearside.

“I’m really happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started,” he said.

“Sunderland is a big club with huge ambition, and I’m excited to be part of what we’re building this season.

“I know Florent well from our time together at Lens, so that was an important factor in my decision.

“I’m looking forward to working with him again, meeting my new team-mates and experiencing the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light.”

Sunderland are also still hoping to finalise a deal for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, but face competition from Crystal Palace.