Sunderland ‘to line up’ Dayann Methalie move, Timothée Pembélé ‘set to’ rejoin Le Havre | OneFootball

Sunderland are reshaping their defence for Premier League and Europa League demands, with fresh attention on the left flank. Thomas Meunier has arrived on a free on a two-year deal, adding experience across Régis Le Bris’ back line.

Football Insider claims Sunderland are lining up a move for Toulouse left-back Dayann Methalie as they seek another option on the left.

Methalie, 20, broke through last season with 28 Ligue 1 appearances, two goals and one assist. The France Under-21 international came through Toulouse’s academy and is viewed in the report as capable of stepping into Premier League football, though no offer or advanced talks are indicated.

“It is flattering. One day, I will have to leave. I would like to play at the highest level. For now, I have to keep doing what I’m doing,” he told Telefoot in January.

Timothée Pembélé is reportedly closing on a permanent return to Le Havre after his loan there in the second half of last season, L’Équipe reports. The 23-year-old, signed from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, has struggled for consistent minutes under Le Bris.

Former left-back Dennis Cirkin has departed at the end of his contract and is attracting interest. Schalke are understood to be monitoring the 24-year-old, who helped Sunderland climb from League One to the Premier League.

Source: Sunderland Echo