As we entered the closing stages of a record-breaking summer transfer window, two private jets sat waiting on the tarmac at Lyon Airport, one bound for London and the other for Sunderland.

This was Deadline Day drama at its very best as Crystal Palace and Sunderland jostled to sign the enigmatic young Belgian winger Malick Fofana.

If Lyon is widely considered the birthplace of cinema, then this was a movie befitting of the location.

Fofana had been poised to make the switch to Sunderland after they struck a £30million deal with Lyon, but Palace sensed an opportunity when it became clear the 21-year-old had not yet completed a medical.

With two clubs now at the negotiating table, Lyon were happy to let battle ensue, watching on as Fofana’s representatives tried to secure the best deal for their client against the clock.

Palace thought they had the upper hand, with manager Pierre Sage previously having worked with Fofana at Lyon, and he put in a call to convince the youngster of the club’s project.

Improved terms were offered, and Palace increased their bid for Fofana, but Sunderland hit back, determined to get their man.

Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus flew directly to Lyon and agreed to match Palace’s bid, while adjusting representative commissions.

Louis-Dreyfus’ intervention proved to be critical, with Sunderland submitting a Premier League Deal Sheet right before the 11pm deadline and announcing the signing at a quarter past midnight.

Palace hurriedly moved on to other targets, securing a last-minute deal for Chilean winger Dario Osorio and, in turn, concluded one of the most fascinating transfer sagas in recent years.

Now, just over a month on from their failed pursuit of Fofana, Palace are back in Lyon as they look to make it two wins from two in the Europa League on Thursday.

Football has a habit of throwing up timely coincidences. This time, though, Palace will hope to leave with what they came for.