Dayann Methalie ‘agrees’ long-term Sunderland contract amid record-fee talks | OneFootball

Sunderland are believed to be closing in on their second summer signing, with Toulouse’s France Under-21 defender Dayann Methalie the focus as interest intensifies.

RMC Sport reports that Methalie has agreed a long-term contract with Sunderland, and says the transfer would be a record sale for Toulouse. It adds he had interest from several clubs but has chosen Sunderland, with the fee rated around £25m and talks between the clubs continuing ahead of a possible conclusion in the coming days.

The youngster has been linked with Newcastle United and Aston Villa, yet it now appears Sunderland could hand him a Premier League platform. He would follow Thomas Meunier in joining Regis Le Bris’ ranks.

Although frequently deployed at left-back, Methalie can also play as a left-sided centre-back, a left wing-back or as a left-sided winger. That flexibility would give Le Bris options as the Black Cats prepare for the Europa League, only the second European campaign in their history.

He has not yet played for France at senior level but has four Under-21 caps. After a first call-up in October last year, he featured alongside Leny Yoro and Warren Zaine-Emery in a 6-0 win over the Faroe Islands and marked his debut with two goals. He has also represented his country at Under-20 and Under-18 level.

“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.

Source: Sunderland Echo