‘Important Clarification’ On Dayann Methalie Emerges As Sunderland Still Keen | OneFootball

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An ‘important clarification’ has emerged on Toulouse star Dayann Methalie, who did not train with the first team on Thursday, despite reports, amid Sunderland still being keen on signing him.

The Black Cats were hugely active last summer, following their promotion from the Championship under Regis Le Bris.

Their effective recruitment saw them not only survive, but finish as high as seventh in the league table, securing Europa League football this season.

Eye-catching signings such as Noah Sadiki, Granit Xhaka and Robin Roefs caught the eye, meaning much has been expected this summer too.

The departures of Eliezer Mayenda, Anthony Patterson and Ahmed Abudllahi helped them beef up their kitty for the window.

However, the Premier League side have not used their funds yet, as experienced full-back Thomas Meunier’s free signing has been the only arrival at the Stadium of Light.

They have been linked with a host of players and bringing in a quality left-back is high on their agenda.

Toulouse’s highly rated 20-year-old left-back, Methalie, emerged as a top target for the club, but the Ligue 1 side rejected Sunderland’s proposals.

An agreement was reached though ans Sunderland put the France Under-21 international through his medical tests to seal a move to the Black Cats.

However, Sunderland decided to put the transfer on hold due to some injury concerns, and Methaile is now back at Les Violets.

The issue is with Methalie’s back, but Toulouse doctors feel he is fine.

And according to French outlet Les Violets, the young full-back is still of interest to Sunderland, as Toulouse manage him carefully on the training pitch.

Methalie trained separately from the first team on Thursday, despite Toulouse boss Jens Berthel Askou announcing the 20-year-old’s return to training, suggesting he is being treated with kid gloves.

The Black Cats kick off their new campaign on Saturday against newly promoted side Ipswich Town, and it remains to be seen whether they will run further medical tests to see whether they want to bring him to Sunderland or move on to other targets.