Sunderland ‘close in on’ Dayann Methalie amid record-fee talks | OneFootball

Sunderland are believed to be closing in on their second summer signing, Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie. RMC Sport reports he has agreed a long-term contract, with talks between the clubs ongoing and a deal possible in the coming days. The move could be a record sale for the Ligue 1 club, with the defender valued at around £25m.

He has been linked with Newcastle United and Aston Villa over the last six months, yet it now appears Sunderland could offer him a Premier League platform within a Europa League-bound squad. A switch would edge him towards joining Regis Le Bris’ ranks, following Thomas Meunier.

Methalie has mostly played on the left, but he can also operate as a left-sided centre-back, a wing-back or a winger. That versatility would give Le Bris options as Sunderland prepare to compete in Europe for only the second time in their history.

He has not yet been capped by France at senior level, but he has four Under-21 caps. After an October call-up last year, he featured alongside Manchester United defender Leny Yoro and PSG’s Warren Zaine-Emery in a 6-0 win over the Faroe Islands, marking his debut with two goals. He also has Under-20 and Under-18 appearances.

“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 towards the end of last season.

Source: Sunderland Echo