Sunderland transfer news: french star player latest with €30 million deal still in the balance

Sunderland transfer news: french star player latest with €30 million deal still in the balance

Sunderland had been close to signing the French left back before an issue was identified during the medical

Sunderland and Toulouse remain in dialogue over Dayann Methalie but the left back’s transfer remains at this stage in the balance.

Methalie had agreed a five-year contract with the Black Cats and travelled to Wearside earlier this week after the two parties agreed a package of around £26 million following months of negotiations. The deal stalled when the Black Cats discovered a potential injury issue during the medical process, with Methalie returning to France on Tuesday.

The issue was not severe enough to lead to the immediate collapse of the deal, but Sunderland were keen to seek further advice and it’s understood that Toulouse were also understandably keen to undergo their own assessment. The Echo understands that dialogue is continuing in an attempt to find a resolution on what would be a crucial transfer for the Black Cats, who are keen to add another left back to this squad this summer and believed that the France U21 international would be a perfect fit on and off the pitch.

According to L’Equipe, there is a difference in opinion between the two clubs over a potential back issue and that means an impasse remains. The French newspaper reports that Sunderland would now like to pursue an initial loan deal for Methalie, but that Toulouse want the initial deal to progress – sources on Wearside have not commented on this detail.

It’s thought that Sunderland still hope they can conclude a deal to sign Methalie, but are determined not to put the club at risk given the level of finance involved. The Black Cats will continue to weigh up their options, including pivoting to other targets identified over the cours

e of the summer.