The Ivorian publicly expressed a desire to leave the Stadium of Light amid the Toffees’ interest.
Sunderland boss David Moyes has told the Echo that talks are scheduled for next week regarding a new contract for summer Everton target Lamine Kone.
The Toffees lodged a number of bids for Kone, the last of which worth a reported £18 million, but the Mackems managed to hang on to the Ivorian.
At one stage Kone, who only moved to the Stadium of Light from Lorient in January, publicly expressed a desire to leave, citing broken promises on Sunderland’s part.
But Moyes remains hopeful the situation will be resolved.
“There is a meeting in place for next week for the agents and that to do the deal, hopefully,” the Scot said, as quoted by the Echo.
Despite having already bid for the Kone, Everton added Swansea City captain Ashley Williams to their central defensive ranks later in the window.
Ironically, Kone could feature against the Toffees – who are Moyes’ former club – on Monday night, with new loan signing Jason Denayer still building up his fitness.
Ex-Everton winger Steven Pienaar could feature at the Stadium of Light, but the game has come too soon for former Blue Victor Anichebe, who arrived on a free transfer last week.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
