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Toulouse boss breaks silence on Dayann Methalie as Sunderland transfer saga nears conclusion Toulouse boss Jens Berthel Askou has addressed Dayann Methalie’s future as Sunderland continue to push towards a deal for the left-back Toulouse head coach Jens Berthel Askou has refused to confirm reports that Sunderland are closing in on a deal for left-back Dayann Methalie. Methalie was left out of the Toulouse squad but was present at the stadium as speculation around his future continued to intensify. Reports in France have suggested Sunderland are close to completing a move for the 20-year-old, with The Echo understanding that an agreement in principle is in place between the two clubs. However, speaking after Toulouse's latest fixture, Askou would not be drawn on the situation. "No, I have nothing to confirm," he said. "I understand your questions, but there are a lot of rumours, and you play a big part in creating them. You do your job, and we do ours. For the moment, there is nothing to confirm. You can continue to speculate." The comments are notable given Methalie's absence from the matchday squad, although his presence at the stadium suggests he remains around the group while his future is resolved. Sunderland have chased Methalie throughout the summer, and negotiations with Toulouse have stretched across several weeks, with multiple bids and public discussion around the French club's valuation. The Echo understands the proposed deal is very close, although club sources have stressed it is not yet fully completed, but there is an agreement in principle in place with both club and player. Askou's comments do little to dampen the expectation that Methalie could soon become a Sunderland player, but they underline that final details remain before anything can be formally announced.