Sunderland are on the verge of completing a deal for Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie, who has been a long-standing target for Newcastle. The France Under-21 international is capable of playing at left-back, wing-back or in central defence. Despite interest from several clubs this summer, Régis Le Bris’s side now look set to secure the player for approximately £26m.
Methalie was closely monitored by Newcastle after making 27 Ligue 1 appearances for Toulouse last season, and the club were reported to have explored a move in January. Newcastle have since suggested that they decided not to pursue the 20-year-old and did not lodge an offer this summer. Even so, he seemed well suited to the club’s revised recruitment strategy, which focuses on promising young players valued between £20m and £40m.
Sunderland can provide the 6ft 2in defender with Europa League football, and he is believed to have reached a verbal agreement on a five-year contract at the Stadium of Light. In addition to working under fellow Frenchman Le Bris, Methalie would join a substantial French-speaking group featuring Enzo Le Fée, Nordi Mukiele and Habib Diarra. He is expected to become the club’s second addition of the summer following Belgium right-back Thomas Meunier, who joined on a free transfer after departing Lille.
Although Methalie may have to compete strongly with Reinildo for the starting left-back role, his combination of recovery speed, physical strength and composure on his left foot has also allowed him to excel on the left side of central defence in both three-player and four-player back lines.
Newcastle are still seeking additional options at both full-back positions. Strengthening the right side is understood to be a particular priority for Eddie Howe following Kieran Trippier’s exit at the conclusion of last season.
Howe’s chances of retaining Bruno Guimarães may continue to depend on whether Arsenal are prepared to meet an asking price of around £80m for the 28-year-old captain. After taking a post-World Cup break in Brazil, Guimarães is scheduled to return to Newcastle on Friday before joining the first-team squad at a training camp in La Manga.
There is also continued uncertainty surrounding Joe Willock’s position at St James’ Park. Newcastle have turned down a bid of roughly £10m from Besiktas for the former Arsenal midfielder, but they may still consider a sale if an offer nearer £20m is submitted.
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