Dayann Methalie close to Sunderland move, medical planned as deal advances | OneFootball

Sunderland are closing in on Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie, with a Sunday medical planned, as he nears becoming their second summer signing.

It is understood an agreement is in place for an initial £24m, with up to £1.7m in add-ons, and the defender is expected in the North East to complete tests before signing a long-term deal. Progress followed rejected bids earlier this month.

Thomas Meunier remains the only arrival so far, the Belgium international full-back signing a two-year contract after leaving Lille. Sunderland finished seventh in their first season back in the Premier League, earning Europa League football.

Methalie has largely operated on the left but can also play as a left-sided centre-back, a left wing-back and a left-sided winger, offering Regis Le Bris options for a busier campaign.

He is uncapped at senior level for France, though he has four Under-21 caps. Called up for the first time in October last year, he featured with Leny Yoro and Warren Zaine-Emery in a 6-0 win over the Faroe Islands and scored twice. He has also played for Les Bleus at Under-20 and Under-18 level.

On talk of interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle, he said: “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 this towards the end of last season.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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