Sunderland step up Dayann Methalie chase as Toulouse ‘to demand’ bumper fee | OneFootball

Sunderland have intensified their move for Toulouse left back Dayann Mathalie, with the French club rejecting an opening offer and holding out for a major fee, L’Equipe reports.

The Black Cats have pursued the 20-year-old this week, and RMC reported on Monday that agreement is in place with the player on a five-year contract. A deal between the clubs has not been reached, and talks are continuing.

Toulouse have already sold striker Emersonn to Ipswich Town in this window for a fee understood to be around £24 million, with a further £3.5 million in potential add-ons.

The Ligue 1 side are seeking an improvement on that sum to part with Mathalie, after a breakout campaign in which he made 31 competitive appearances and was widely regarded as one of France’s best prospects.

Sunderland’s initial offer, around £17 million, has fallen short of the valuation, so talks are ongoing.

Left back is a priority for Régis Le Bris after Dennis Cirkin’s exit, leaving Reinildo as the only senior option. Sunderland also want another right winger after Bertrand Traoré’s departure, and could add a left-sided centre back plus extra attacking depth, while stressing quality over quantity this summer.

Source: Sunderland Echo