Sunderland close in on Toulouse defender Methalie

Sunderland are on the brink of landing Dayann Methalie, the Toulouse defender long tracked by Newcastle, in a deal worth about £26m that underlines a sharp change of gear on Wearside.

The France Under-21 international, 20, has been one of Ligue 1’s most-watched young defenders after making 27 league appearances last season. Comfortable at left-back, wing-back or on the left of a central pairing, he has drawn interest across Europe during the summer window. Régis Le Bris looks set to win that race.

Newcastle had done the groundwork. Scouts followed Methalie closely, the club explored a move in January and, on paper, he looked a perfect fit for their stated strategy of signing emerging talent in the £20m-£40m bracket. Yet when the moment came, they stepped away. No bid has gone in from Tyneside, and Sunderland have moved decisively into the space.

For Sunderland, the pitch is strong. Methalie is expected to sign a five-year contract and will walk into a dressing room increasingly shaped by French influence. Le Bris, a compatriot, is assembling a core of French-speaking players: Enzo Le Fée, Nordi Mukiele and Habib Diarra already in place, with Methalie set to join them and Europa League football on offer at the Stadium of Light.

Le Bris has already added Thomas Meunier on a free after the Belgium right-back left Lille, and Methalie would be his second summer signing. The profile is deliberate: experience on one flank, high-upside youth on the other.

Methalie will not stroll into the side unchallenged. Reinildo stands between him and the status of first-choice left-back. Yet the Frenchman’s blend of recovery speed, strength and a cultured left foot gives Le Bris options that go beyond a straight duel for one position. He has impressed as a left-sided centre-back in both a back three and a back four, a versatility that suits a coach who likes to switch shapes mid-game.

While Sunderland push their project forward, Newcastle still have gaps to fill. Eddie Howe wants reinforcement on both flanks of his defence, with right-back a particular concern after Kieran Trippier’s departure at the end of last season. The club’s decision not to move for Methalie leaves them searching elsewhere for cover and competition in those areas.

The bigger question on Tyneside hangs over Bruno Guimarães. Howe’s chances of keeping his captain appear tied to Arsenal’s readiness to pay close to £80m for the 28-year-old. Bruno has been on holiday in Brazil following the World Cup and is due back at Newcastle on Friday before flying out with the rest of the first-team squad to a training camp in La Manga. Until Arsenal make their intentions clear, Newcastle’s summer plans sit under a cloud.

Joe Willock’s situation adds another layer of uncertainty. Newcastle have already turned down an offer of around £10m from Besiktas for the former Arsenal midfielder, but they are not closing the door on a sale. A bid closer to £20m would test their resolve and could reshape Howe’s midfield options before the window shuts.

So Sunderland move boldly, building a French-flavoured spine and prising away a player once earmarked for their rivals, while Newcastle juggle defensive needs and the futures of two key midfielders. One club is about to unveil a new left-sided cornerstone; the other must decide how much of its core it can afford to lose.