Toulouse ‘to seek’ bigger fee as Sunderland chase Dayann Methalie | OneFootball

Sunderland have intensified their pursuit of Toulouse left back Dayann Mathalie, with L’Equipe reporting that the Ligue 1 side have rejected an opening offer of around £17 million and that talks remain ongoing.

RMC says an agreement with the 20-year-old on a five-year contract is in place, although there is no deal between the clubs and Toulouse are holding out for a sizeable fee for their prized asset.

Toulouse have already sold forward Emersonn to Ipswich Town for about £24 million, with a further £3.5 million in potential add-ons, and he is set to face Sunderland on the Premier League’s opening day at Portman Road.

They are believed to be seeking more than that figure for Mathalie, widely regarded as among France’s best young prospects after a breakout season in which he made 31 competitive appearances.

Left back is a priority for Sunderland after Dennis Cirkin’s exit, leaving Reinildo as the only senior option in Régis Le Bris’s squad. The Black Cats also want another right winger following Bertrand Traoré’s departure, while a left-sided centre back and extra attacking depth are under consideration. The club remain focused on quality over quantity this summer.

Source: Sunderland Echo