Sunderland have been encouraged in their pursuit of Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh.
The Daily Mail says Lyon have pulled out of the race to sign Sunderland target Chamakh.
The French giants' coach Claude Puel says the imminent arrival of Bafetimbi Gomis from Saint-Etienne will be his last signing. Arsenal, Fulham, Blackburn and Tottenham have also been linked to Bordeaux striker Chamakh, who is keen to move to England.