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Sunderland transfer news: Dayann Methalie latest as Toulouse knock back record bid Sunderland are continuing their search for reinforcements in the summer transfer market Sunderland have suffered a fresh setback in their pursuit of Toulouse left back Dayann Methalie after the Ligue 1 club rejected a fresh bid from the Black Cats. As first reported by Fabrizio Romano and subsequently by various French outlets including L'Equipe, Toulouse have turned down the latest proposal which would have seen Sunderland pay a potential fee of €33 million (£28 million). This would have been a record sale for the club, surpassing the fee that saw young Brazilian striker Emersonn move to Ipswich Town earlier this summer. The Echo understands that the club remain in talks over Methalie to see if a deal can be agreed, but are also actively working on alternative targets. Though Methalie has interest from other clubs, with AC Milan the latest to be linked with a summer move, it's understood that the left back remains keen on a move to Wearside this summer. It therefore remains to be seen whether Sunderland can come up with a proposal that bridges the gap to Toulouse's valuation, or with an altered payment structure that better suits the French club. Methalie missed Toulouse's pre-season defeat to Spanish side Elche over the weekend, though the club were quick to state that this was due to a minor injury and not the ongoing transfer talks. Toulouse president Olivier Cloarec revealed in late July that the two clubs had been in negotiations for around a month at that stage, but that the club would not move on their valuation. Methalie is a priority target for Sunderland as they bid to reinforce the left side of their defence, and with Arthur Masuaku and Leo Hjelde now close to leaving the club on a permanent basis. 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. Though Sunderland have made slow progress in the window so far, Le Bris stressed the club were working hard behind the scenes. “I think today, and probably in the USA as well, we showed that our squad is already well connected with good players, and probably the first good recruitment is to keep your strength,” he said. “I think at the minute that's done which is really good, and we'll add two, three, four... we'll see. The transfer window is still unpredictable, but we are working behind the scenes to strengthen the squad. It's a little different compared to last season, we have to be really precise, and when you are looking for someone, a specific profile, it's much harder."It's important to [remember that you can] sign new players, but it doesn't mean that we'll be stronger," he added. "It's about our culture, the way we are growing together, and I think we showed in America and even more today that the team is strong. Obviously the Premier League is really demanding, really challenging, but it's a new step forward." Your next Sunderland read: Régis Le Bris drops big Luke O'Nien selection hint ahead of Sunderland's Premier League opener