Sunderland agree £25.6m deal for Toulouse defender Dayann Methalie

Sunderland have agreed a £25.6m fee to sign 20-year-old left-back Dayann Methalie from Toulouse ahead of their Premier League campaign.

The French defender is expected to undergo a medical shortly after a verbal agreement was reached between the two clubs.

An initial payment of £23.9m will be made to the Ligue 1 outfit, with a further £1.7m included in potential add-ons.

European ambitions demand defensive depth

Methalie enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, making 28 league appearances as his former employers secured a ninth-place finish in the French top flight.

The attacking full-back also showcased his offensive capabilities late in the year, finding the net twice in his final three matches.

Regis Le Bris has pursued the highly-rated youngster for a prolonged period as the Black Cats look to add crucial depth to their defensive ranks.

Building for the domestic opener

The North East side are actively preparing to balance domestic duties with a return to European competition for the first time in 53 years.

Until now, experienced Belgium right-back Thomas Meunier was the only completed piece of incoming summer business following his free transfer from Lille.

Sunderland’s highly anticipated Premier League season gets underway next Saturday when they travel to face Ipswich Town.