Everton tried to sign Lamine Kone from Sunderland in the summer.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone in action with Everton’s Romelu Lukaku
Sunderland defender Lamine Kone came close to joining Everton in the summer only to be denied a move by his club.
Bought by the Black Cats six months earlier, Sunderland had few options in central defence and could not afford to let him leave late into the transfer window.
Kone went up against Everton last night and will not remember the match fondly, with Romelu Lukaku’s hat-trick firing the Toffees to a 3-0 win.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku scores their second goal
The defender was not individually culpable for any of the goals, and acquitted himself without embarrassment, but he will be disappointed with the way his side collapsed.
The Mail had reported a month ago that he was being lined up for a £15 million move by Ronald Koeman.
Statistically last night he did not do a lot to justify that price tag, with no tackles won, and no interceptions made, but he did manage five clearances, and collected four loose balls to win back possession for his side.
Lamine Kone scores the second goal for Sunderland in their clash against Everton last season
A 63 per cent pass completion rate was below par, and Kone clearly has areas to improve upon if he is to get back to his excellent form of last season.
Watching Everton fans were split on his performance, watching the player who could easily have been lining up for them, with some believing they had dodged a bullet, while others want the club to go back with another bid in January.
Here is a look at how Everton fans reacted on Twitter to his display…
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
