Could David Moyes’ appointment see West Ham reignite Lamine Kone interest?

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David Moyes has been confirmed as West Ham United’s new manager as he replaces Slaven Bilic at the London Stadium.

Football’s worst kept secret was confirmed on Tuesday, with West Ham confirming that they have appointed David Moyes as their new manager, and Sky Sports suggesting that the former Manchester United boss has signed a six-month deal at the London Stadium.

Despite the short contract, the Daily Mirror reported when it was looking inevitable that he would get the job that he would be given plenty of backing during the January transfer window as the Hammers look to get themselves out of trouble.

Therefore, would it be out of the question to suggest that Moyes’ first window at the helm with West Ham could see the club reignite their interest in Sunderland’s Lamine Kone?

The Hammers wanted the centre-back during the summer, according to the Daily Mirror, but were not willing to meet the Black Cats’ £15 million valuation and were hoping to pay something closer to £10 million for the 28-year-old.

However, The Sun on Sunday (print edition; 29th October 2017; page 65) more recently suggested that Sunderland may be keen to shift Kone’s £30,000 a week contract off the books, so that would suggest that they be open to accepting a lower fee in January – especially as they desperately try to get themselves out of trouble in the Championship.

Moyes worked with Kone at the Stadium of Light. And while the pair will probably not remember the time together too fondly as Sunderland were relegated from the Premier League, perhaps the new Irons boss will reflect that the defender would be a good option to consider in January.

Whether Kone is capable of rediscovering the form he showed during his first few months in England would remain to be seen if West Ham did make a fresh move.

But it is surely fair to say that it would be no surprise to see Moyes consider making a move for Kone as he looks to bolster his options and make as great an impression as possible for the duration of his current contract.