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Dayann Methalie profiled as Sunderland ramp up interest in France Under-21 star Sunderland are reportedly close to signing Toulouse star Dayann Methalie - but what do we know about the France Under-21 international? Sunderland are believed to be closing in on their second signing of the summer transfer window after reports in France suggested the Black Cats had ramped up their interest in Toulouse left-back Dayann Methalie. The France Under-21 international has been linked with the likes of Newcastle United and Aston Villa over the last six months - but it now appears it will be Sunderland that hand him a chance to impress in the Premier League as he moves closer to following in Thomas Meunier’s footsteps by joining Regis Le Bris’ ranks. But what do we know about the man reportedly set to become the latest addition to the Black Cats’ Europa League-bound squad? What has been said about Dayann Methalie’s potential move to Sunderland? Reports of Sunderland’s interest in the Toulouse star have ramped up in recent days and French outlet RMC Sport claimed Methalie has reached an agreement over a long-term contract with the Black Cats on Monday and suggested the deal would represent a record sale for the Ligue 1 club. The same report claims Methalie had interest from ‘several clubs in recent weeks’ but has chosen to join Sunderland and the versatile defender is said to be rated at around £25m by Toulouse. RMC also report discussions are continuing between the two clubs and state the deal could be finalised ‘in the coming days’. The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel. How could Dayann Methalie fit into the Sunderland side? Methalie is more versatile than has been suggested with some reports stating he is a left-back. It is true that the youngster has featured on the left-hand side for the vast majority of his career but he is also capable of featuring as a left-sided centre-back, a left wing-back and in a more advanced position as a left-sided winger. That means Methalie will offer Le Bris a number of options as he looks to ensure Sunderland challenge on a number of fronts when they compete in European competition for only the second time in their history. Has Dayann Methalie played at international level? As yet, Methalie has not featured at senior level for France - but he does have four caps at Under-21s level. After receiving a first call-up in October last year, the Toulouse star featured alongside Manchester United defender Leny Yoro and PSG star Warren Zaine-Emery in a 6-0 win against the Faroe Islands and marked his debut with two goals. He has also earned caps at Under-20 and Under-18 level for Les Bleus. What has Dayann Methalie said about his future with Toulouse? The left-back has said very little about what could lie ahead in recent months - but he did give a small insight into his stance over a possible move away from the Ligue 1 club in an interview given to Telefoot towards the end of last season. Mathalie was questioned about speculation suggesting Aston Villa and Newcastle were keen on his services and he replied: “It is flattering. One day, I will have to leave. I would like to play at the highest level. For now, I have to keep doing what I’m doing.” Your next Sunderland read: Sunderland transfer news live blog: Cats step up interest in defender