Sunderland look set for relegation this summer.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone in action with West Bromwich Albion’s Salomon Rondon
Everton refused to pay Sunderland’s asking price for Lamine Kone last summer, with The Mirror reporting he was being valued at £20 million.
Kone has been the big loser in this scenario, playing in a relegation bound side, while Everton have improved their performances without him.
The centre-back will inevitably move on this summer when Sunderland are relegated, and be available for a substantially lower fee than the Black Cats demanded a year ago.
The big question is whether Everton still need him, or indeed even want him?
Lamine Kone scores for Sunderland against Everton
Kone’s performances this season have dropped a level, representing a player whose heart is not really in it at Sunderland and wished he landed his big move.
That has to be a red flag for Everton, whose move to sign veteran Ashley Williams has looked inspired.
Veteran Phil Jagielka remains a useful contributor, while at the other end of the spectrum, youngster Mason Holgate continues to impress when called upon.
On the basis of this season, Kone would be a gamble, with Everton hoping Ronald Koeman could bring him to lift his game in the same way Sam Allardyce did, and David Moyes has failed to do.
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