With less than a month until the January window opens, transfer links are intensifying and there is some hope we’ll be active in the market.

A host of names, ranging from rising European stars to more established names with prior Premier League experience, have been linked in some capacity.

In the last few days alone, it seems we’re eyeing up the evergreen French market for players, with U-21 star Kevin Danois seen as a welcome alternative to the in-demand Dutchman Kees Smit, who may be Chelsea-bound.

And now a new report is linking us to a compatriot of Danois, who could tick several boxes as a young, versatile talent with the potential to be a hit in the Premier League…

Who is Toon target Dayann Methalie?

According to The Mail, Newcastle United are discussing a move for defender Dayann Methalie, who has been one of the breakout stars from Ligue 1 this season.

The report states that we are weighing up a bid for the 19-year-old, who is a 6ft 2″ left wing-back able to cover and compete with current starter Lewis Hall.

Coming from the esteemed academy of Toulouse, Methalie has been fast-tracked to a place in the France U-21s, and has won acclaim for some of his performances so far this season.

The versatile defender can play at both wing back and in the heart of the defence, something which would be very welcome in our current squad, with us yet to replace Lloyd Kelly in that sense.

Currently contracted to Toulouse until 2030, the French side seem to be well aware of the attention Methalie is attracting, though this doesn’t look like it’s deterred our recruitment team in the slightest.

Youthful defence remains a cornerstone of project

For all his flaws as sporting director, Paul Mitchell was right about one thing: a youthful defence should be the core of our team.

The signings of Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, Sven Botman and most-recently Malick Thiaw prove that, each of whom could be starters at St James’ Park for the rest of their careers if they continue their respective fine form.

Signing Methalie would futureproof our defence for even more years to come, but it would need to be a transfer that happens sooner rather than later if other reports are to be believed.

With Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier and Fabian Schar all well past the wrong side of 30, and the aforementioned Livramento still subject to strong interest from Manchester City, we can’t be caught short and find ourselves with a defence with non-existent depth.