Sunderland close in on Dayann Methalie signing after Newcastle back off

Toulouse defender expected to cost about £26mNewcastle still looking for defensive reinforcementsSunderland are poised to sign the long-time Newcastle target Dayann Methalie from Toulouse. The France Under-21s defender, who can play left-back or wingback and also operate in the centre, has attracted widespread interest this summer but Régis Le Bris now appears close to acquiring him for about £26m.Newcastle had extensively scouted Methalie, who made 27 Ligue 1 appearances for Toulouse last season, and reportedly tried to sign him in January. The club have now indicated they opted against the idea of recruiting the 20-year-old and have not submitted a bid this summer.

Nonetheless, Methalie appeared an ideal fit for Newcastle’s new transfer policy of recruiting young players in the £20m-£40m price bracket. Continue reading...