Sunderland close in on £26m Dayann Methalie deal before Ipswich opener

Sunderland are on the verge of completing the £25.7million signing of Toulouse left-back Dayann Methalie, with the 20-year-old scheduled to undergo his medical on Monday.

The Black Cats have reached an agreement with Toulouse following weeks of negotiations, and Methalie is expected to travel to Wearside on Sunday evening.

If everything proceeds as planned, the France youngster will sign a five-year contract and could even be available for Sunderland's Premier League opener against Ipswich Town on August 22.

Methalie is set to become Sunderland's second signing of the summer and their first involving a transfer fee.

Thomas Meunier previously arrived on a free transfer following his departure from Lille.

Adding another left-back had become particularly important for Regis Le Bris following the departures of Dennis Cirkin and Leo Hjelde.

Reinildo has impressed during pre-season, but Sunderland need additional depth as they prepare to compete across the Premier League, domestic cups and Europa League.

Luke O'Nien has increasingly operated at centre-back, while Trai Hume is capable of playing on the left but is more naturally suited to the right.

Methalie's arrival should therefore provide Le Bris with a natural alternative to Reinildo.

Completing the Methalie deal will solve one problem, but Sunderland could remain active before the window closes.

Centre-back depth could require attention, particularly after Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele missed the final pre-season game against Rennes.

There are also questions surrounding Sunderland's wide options amid uncertainty over Simon Adingra's future.

Romaine Mundle is discussing a new contract and could take on greater responsibility if he can remain fit, while Geny Catamo and Matias Soule have also been linked.

Centre-forward is another position Sunderland may consider strengthening.

Eliezer Mayenda departed for Rennes in a £21.5m transfer, leaving Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor as Le Bris' two senior recognised strikers.

Methalie is expected on Wearside before completing his medical and finalising his five-year Sunderland contract.

Le Bris will then hope the paperwork can be completed quickly enough for the defender to be considered against Ipswich, while Sunderland continue assessing further additions before the transfer window closes.