Dayann Methalie ‘wants’ Sunderland as £25.7m Toulouse talks continue | OneFootball

Dayann Methalie is reportedly favouring a move to Sunderland, with negotiations continuing with Toulouse over a fee that could reach £25.7m and fresh discussions expected.

Sunderland have intensified their push for the 20-year-old and are understood to have an agreement in place with the left-back on a five-year deal, though a club-to-club accord has not yet been reached. The latest offer is said to top £21.4m including add-ons.

That figure marks a clear rise on an initial proposal of around £17m, which L’Équipe reported was rejected by Toulouse. The French side’s stance has been influenced by Ipswich Town’s purchase of striker Emersonn for about £24m, with a further £3.5m potentially due in add-ons.

Methalie, regarded as one of France’s brightest young prospects after his breakthrough campaign, made 31 competitive appearances last season and has drawn interest from elsewhere. Sunderland, however, appear to have fresh encouragement given the player’s preference to join Régis Le Bris’s side.

Left-back has been a priority since Dennis Cirkin’s departure earlier this summer. Reinildo is currently the only established senior option in that role. Sunderland also plan to recruit a right winger after Bertrand Traoré’s exit, while a left-sided centre-back and extra attacking depth remain possibilities, with the emphasis on quality over quantity.

Source: Sunderland Echo