Sunderland ‘Ahead’ For 20 Y/O But Newcastle United Amongst Other Clubs Keen | OneFootball

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Sunderland are still ‘ahead’ in the race for Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie despite interest in the player growing rapidly, with Newcastle United also keen.

Methalie began his football journey in US Colomiers’ youth system, and then joined Toulouse’s academy in 2014, before signing his first professional contract with the club in 2024.

In the recent campaign, the 20-year-old made 27 Ligue 1 appearances and contributed to four goals, which put him on the radar of several clubs.

Sunderland have been snapping up young, talented players in the recent transfer windows, and the club have already reached an agreement with Methalie on personal terms.

However, the Black Cats still have work to do, as they have not agreed terms with Toulouse, who are seeking to bank at least €30m from the transfer.

More clubs are now chasing the defender, but Sunderland are ‘ahead’, according to Italian journalist Mirko Di Natale.

Sunderland’s rivals Newcastle hold an interest in the Toulouse man, as do AC Milan, while Juventus recently enquired about Methalie’s situation.

Discussions between Sunderland and Toulouse are still ongoing over Methalie’s transfer, but it is believed that the French defender’s priority is a move to the Stadium of Light, which gives the club an edge over other suitors.

If other clubs start to slap bids in though then the jury is out, with Newcastle especially potentially soon needing a left-back given interest in Lewis Hall.

Hall is being chased by Manchester United and Methalie could fit the bill for Matthias Jaissle’s side if he does go to Old Trafford.

The race for the Toulouse man could heat up in the coming weeks if Sunderland cannot get a deal over the line with Toulouse.

Sunderland have a host of irons in the transfer fire, with Lorient defender Nathaniel Adjei someone they are now actively working on signing.