SUNDERLAND have been dealt a major transfer blow, with Dayann Methalie's move to the Stadium of Light now on hold and in the balance.
Methalie was expected to put pen to paper on a five-year contract today after arriving over the weekend to put the finishing touches to his move from Toulouse.
But it's understood the move is now in serious doubt and Methalie will need to undergo further medical tests before the Black Cats decide whether to proceed with the signing.
Methalie is now returning to France, with the move very much in the balance.
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It's a hugely frustrating development for the Black Cats, who were patient in their long pursuit of their leading left-back target but were thrilled to finally make a breakthrough in talks with Toulouse last week.
A £25.7m move was agreed - £24m was due to be paid up-front - and Methalie arrived in the North East on Sunday night to undergo his medical. A five-year contract had been agreed.
But complications then arose and Methalie is now heading back to France, where he'll undergo further medical examinations and a final decision will be made on what happens next.
Sunderland's opening Premier League game against Ipswich Town is now just four days away and the only signing of the summer so far is Thomas Meunier, who is a doubt for the trip to Portman Road.
The aim this summer was always quality rather than quantity, with Black Cats officials willing to play the long game in their pursuit of leading targets. Strengthening at left-back was a top priority, but it's now not clear whether Sunderland will have to look elsewhere.
Sunderland also want to bolster their wide attacking options and remain hopeful of signing Geny Catamo before the end of the window.
The 25-year-old is said to be keen on the move but Sunderland haven't yet reached an agreement with Sporting CP.
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