Newcastle United did not enter the race for Dayann Methalie this summer, despite suggestions they have been beaten to the star's signature by North East rivals Sunderland. Chronicle Live understands that Methalie has not been on United's radar this summer and that the Magpies have never made an offer for the £25.7m-rated star.
Sunderland Close In on Methalie
The 20-year-old is on the brink of a move to Sunderland from Toulouse but Newcastle's priorities in this window have been elsewhere. Given the Magpies have England internationals Lewis Hall and Dan Burn vying for the left-back slot and have Tino Livramento as an option in that area, the black and whites are equipped well on that side of the field. The Black Cats lost Dennis Cirkin and are thin on the ground in the left-back area, with Reinildo as the only option in that position.
Newcastle's Summer Transfer Plans
As revealed on Sunday, Newcastle are hoping to strike again soon in the window and bring in signing No 5. Newcastle have signed Aladji Bamba, Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur and Ewen Jaouen so far in this trading period and aren't finished yet with another four potential new stars to join them. Eddie Howe has insisted that the club have his buy in on the new policy to bring in younger stars and while Methalie does fit the age profile, he was not a priority for the Magpies this summer, hence no approach for his services.
Howe said: "I'm very supportive of what the club want to do. Yeah, there's been a shift in terms of the profile and the age. Again, that's quite obvious. I've always believed in young players and tried to develop young players, so that fits in line with my philosophy anyway."
Methalie was also on Bayer Leverkusen's wish-list but looks to be Wearside-bound as the club begin their first European campaign since 1973.
