Report: Brighton set to make £5m bid for Sunderland's Lamine Kone

Brighton and Hove Albion look set to make a £5 million bid for Sunderland defender Lamine Kone, according to reports.

According to a report from The Sun on Sunday (print edition; 29th October 2017; page 65), Brighton are preparing to make a surprise move for Sunderland centre-back Lamine Kone.

Kone's stock, like Sunderland's, has fallen significantly in the past couple of years, with the centre-back failing to rediscover the form that made him such a key player for the Black Cats during his first few months at the club.

It has been a torrid start to the season for Simon Grayson's men following their relegation from the Premier League, with just one win in their opening 14 league games leaving them second-bottom in the Championship.

Nevertheless, The Sun on Sunday (print edition; 29th October 2017; page 65) reports that Brighton have been watching the 28-year-old and Chris Hughton is now preparing a £5 million bid for the January transfer window as he looks to add more depth to his options.

Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk have been extremely impressive following their promotion, but Hughton appears to feel that having more depth will boost their chances of managing to keep their place in the top flight.

The Sun on Sunday adds that Sunderland's need to lower the wage bill - Kone currently earns £30,000 a week - may make the Black Cats keen to discuss a potential deal, but the size of his contract may also put the chances of a deal in some doubt, so Brighton may be hoping that some compromise can be reached.