Sunderland Target’s Game Absence Not Due To Transfer Talks | OneFootball

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Sunderland target Dayann Methalie did not miss Toulouse’s pre-season friendly because of transfer negotiations with the Black Cats and the French outfit, but instead due to ‘suffering from a back injury’.

The 20-year-old announced himself in Ligue 1 last term with a standout campaign, drawing attention from a host of clubs with his performances at left-back.

Regis Le Bris’ side, however, have been particularly persistent in their pursuit, stepping up their efforts to secure the Frenchman after reaching an agreement on personal terms with him last month.

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Toulouse’s resolve to stand firm on their valuation has repeatedly emerged as the principal obstacle preventing Sunderland from taking the deal over the line.

That resistance was on display once again after the Ligue 1 outfit rejected a €33m package, which would have represented a club-record sale, but not one which they think represents Methalie’s value.

Meanwhile, the left-back was absent as Toulouse faced Elche in a pre-season friendly, with the French outfit suffering a 3-0 defeat.

Methalie’s absence subsequently fuelled speculation that negotiations between Toulouse and Sunderland could have been behind his omission.

However, according to Toulouse focused French outlet Les Violets, Methalie has been ‘suffering from a back injury’, which forced him to sit out the friendly.

It remains unclear whether the defender will be fit to feature in Toulouse’s next friendly against Hamburg, while Sunderland continue to hope an agreement can be reached with discussions still ongoing.

Methalie has not featured in any of Toulouse’s pre-season fixtures so far.

There have also been suggestions of interest from Newcastle United in the Frenchman, although Sunderland remain firmly regarded as the frontrunners in the pursuit.

The Black Cats have also seen their opening approach for Sporting Lisbon winger Geny Catamo rejected, but are expected to return with an improved offer as they continue their efforts to land the winger.