WHO IS DAYANN METHALIE?

Sunderland look to have secured their second new signing of the season, with Toulouse left-back Dayann Methalie.

Methalie, 20, looks set to sign a five-year deal on Wearside with a fee of around 30 million euros being rumoured. Sunderland beat the likes of fellow North East rivals Newcastle to his signature with the French U21 player being a key target for the magpies earlier in the year.

Toulouse are holding out for a fee of around 30 million Euros which Sunderland have not matched yet, with their last offer of 20 million Euros being rejected, but the Black Cats remain hopeful that they can get the deal over the line since Methalie has already agreed personal terms and wants to join Sunderland with European football major factor in his decision.

Regis Le Bris’ side look to improve their squad as they set off to play across the continent for the first time in over 50 years and are in need of depth to cover this. The U21s French International can play left-back, wingback and fullback which is a perfect fit for the Black Cats. Methalie will come in to compete against Reinildo and look to take over as the starting left back.

Methalie had a breakout season making 27 appearances scoring two goals and two assists. The 6’2 fullback has an explosiveness that helps in an attacking sense but also his recovery runs and physicality is ideal for RLB’s way of playing. RLB has already used his French connection to sign several players - notably Wilson Isidor, Enzo Le Fee, Nordi Mukiele and Habib Diarra - across his tenure.

Sunderland were in need of fullback cover since Dennis Cirkin left on a free as well as Arthur Masuaku returning to Turkey, which would not leave much cover for an ageing Reinildo Mandava especially with the increased amount of games next season.

Florence Ghisolfi’s recruitment team have already brought in full back Thomas Meunier, who arrived as a free agent after a recent spell at Lille. The recruitment team have stated across the window that they are looking at quality over quantity and expect around six or seven signings rather than the 14 they signed last summer.