Sunderland continue Dayann Methalie talks after record-bid setback | OneFootball

Sunderland have suffered a setback in their chase for Toulouse left-back Dayann Methalie, with the Ligue 1 club rejecting a renewed offer. Fabrizio Romano first reported the decision, with L'Equipe among French outlets repeating it, the proposal worth up to €33 million (£28 million).

That figure would have represented a record sale for Toulouse, surpassing the fee that took young Brazilian striker Emersonn to Ipswich Town earlier this summer.

It is understood Sunderland remain in talks over Methalie, while also working on alternative targets.

AC Milan have been linked, yet the left-back is understood to be keen on a move to Wearside this summer. Whether Sunderland can bridge Toulouse's valuation, or reshape the payment schedule to suit the French club, remains to be seen. Methalie missed Toulouse's pre-season defeat to Elche at the weekend due to a minor injury rather than ongoing talks.

Toulouse president Olivier Cloarec said in late July that the clubs had been negotiating for around a month, and that the Ligue 1 side would not move on their valuation. Methalie is a priority for Sunderland as they seek to reinforce the left side of their defence, with Arthur Masuaku and Leo Hjelde close to leaving permanently.

Source: Sunderland Echo

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”