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'Advanced talks' - Sunderland transfer breakthrough for £25m star linked with Newcastle United Sunderland are pushing to sign a player previously linked with Newcastle United. Newcastle United’s fierce rivals Sunderland are pushing to sign a player previously monitored by the club. Toulouse left-back Dayann Methalie was linked with Newcastle during the January transfer window as the club eyed defensive reinforcements amid an injury crisis. Sunderland have reportedly seen an initial bid rejected for the player, according to sources in France. The Magpies ultimately refrained from making a move for the youngster as Lewis Hall got back to fitness, and Lewis Miley briefly slotted in at right-back to temporarily address Eddie Howe’s full-back issues. The Gazette understands Newcastle have not reignited their interest in the France Under-21 international this summer and did not make a formal bid for the player. The Gazette has launched a WhatsApp NUFC channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates directly to your phone. Simply click this link to join our NUFC WhatsApp channel. But the 20-year-old has now been linked with a move to the North East once again, this time to Sunderland. According to French outlet RMC, the Black Cats are in advanced talks with Toulouse over a potential move for Methalie, who is valued at around £25million. The defender had a breakthrough season for Toulouse in Ligue 1 in 2025/26, attracting plenty of interest in the process. The full-back area is one both Newcastle and Sunderland are looking to strengthen this summer after several departures in that area. The Magpies have released Matt Targett, Emil Krafth and Kieran Trippier while Tino Livramento and Miley are currently unavailable due to injury. A full-back addition is one of Newcastle’s top transfer priorities this summer, but their preference is to strengthen with a versatile right-sided full-back.