Sunderland have agreed a fee of £25.6 million with Toulouse for left-back Dayann Methalie, with the 20-year-old set to undergo a medical ahead of a formal move.

The initial agreement stands at £23.9 million, with up to £1.7 million more available through performance-related add-ons. Methalie is a French youth international who spent last season in Ligue 1 with Toulouse, making 28 appearances and scoring twice in his final three matches as the club finished ninth.

A deal in the making

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has pursued Methalie for some time, and the agreement represents a significant outlay as the club prepare for life in the Premier League. Their top-flight campaign kicks off at Ipswich Town next Saturday.

Beyond domestic football, The Black Cats will compete in European competition for the first time in 53 years — a milestone that has sharpened the need to build a broader, deeper squad.

Window activity so far

Methalie would become only the second signing of the summer transfer window for Sunderland if the deal is completed. Belgium right-back Thomas Meunier, who arrived on a free transfer from Lille, is the club's sole confirmed addition to date.

The club are clearly focused on reinforcing their defensive options, with Methalie's versatility and Ligue 1 experience offering Regis Le Bris a promising option on the left flank.