Sunderland defender Lamine Kone is attracting interest ahead of the January transfer window, but Everton and West Ham appear to be cooling their interest.
According to the Daily Mail, Sunderland defender Lamine Kone is keen on a reunion with Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce in January – but Everton and West Ham appear to be backing away.
Kone, 27, was signed by Allardyce at Sunderland in January of this year, as the Black Cats swooped to land him from French side Lorient on a four-and-a-half year deal.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone warms up
The Ivorian international quickly became a fan favourite at the Stadium of Light, as his superb performances helped Allardyce solidify a leaky Sunderland defence, which ultimately led to the Black Cats staying in the Premier League.
Kone attracted major interest over the summer but stayed with Sunderland, and after missing just two Premier League games this season, he’s again a wanted man ahead of the January transfer window.
Sunderland manager David Moyes talks with Lamine Kone
The Daily Mail report that Allardyce wants to take Kone to Crystal Palace in January, with Sunderland potentially willing to sell in order to raise funds for other positions – and the player himself is keen on working with Allardyce again.
‘Big Sam’ took over at Selhurst Park on Friday as he replaced Alan Pardew, and he’ll be looking to strengthen a porous Palace defence, with Kone allegedly open to a London reunion with his former boss.
It’s stated that Sunderland would demand around £15million to £18million for Kone, and whilst West Ham United are keen on landing Kone, they aren’t willing to meet Sunderland’s asking price, meaning a move to the London Stadium looks unlikely.
Additionally, Everton – who were the main suitors for Kone over the summer – are now believed to have cooled their interest, meaning Palace could be in the clear to make their move for the centre back in January.
Would you sell Kone to a Premier League rival in January?
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