Sunderland step up winger search as Dayann Methalie talks progress, Florent Ghisolfi plans take shape | OneFootball

Sunderland’s recruitment drive is accelerating, with movement on Dayann Methalie and fresh speculation around wide players in the past 48 hours.

Bild claims Sunderland are attempting to tempt Bayer Leverkusen winger Ernest Poku to the Premier League, with the club open to a sale around £21.4m. The versatile 22-year-old scored six and made 10 assists in his first season, and can operate on either flank or through the middle. Sunderland want another wide player after Bertrand Traoré’s departure, although how advanced their interest is remains unclear.

La Gazzetta dello Sport and Leggo report Roma have placed Simon Adingra on a shortlist as they assess alternatives, with sporting director Tony D’Amico said to admire the Sunderland winger and view the finances as manageable. Sunderland are said to value the Ivory Coast international at around £30m. He remains under contract until 2030, so there is no immediate pressure to sell.

TEAMtalk reports several clubs have registered interest in the 24-year-old, yet there has been no suggestion so far of a formal offer after his six-month loan with Monaco.

RMC Sport previously reported Sunderland reached agreement with Methalie, 20, on a five-year contract, while L’Équipe says talks continue after Toulouse rejected an opening bid worth around £17m. The Guardian has reported Newcastle United decided against a formal offer and Aston Villa have enquired, leaving Sunderland well placed. Methalie can play left-back, wing-back or on the left of central defence, a position needing reinforcement since Dennis Cirkin’s exit.

Source: Sunderland Echo