Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion are reportedly keen on Sunderland defender Lamine Kone.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku in action with Sunderland’s Lamine Kone
According to the Daily Mail, Crystal Palace are considering making an offer of £10million for Sunderland defender Lamine Kone – but West Bromwich Albion are also interested.
Kone, 28, joined Sunderland from Lorient in January 2016 following a protracted transfer saga, and he turned in some outstanding performances in the second half of last season to help Sunderland stay in the Premier League.
The centre back was the subject of a major pursuit from Everton last summer, but he instead signed a new contract with Sunderland in September 2016, and he has struggled to replicate last season’s performance.
Kone hasn’t been able to help Sunderland avoid relegation this season, and with the Black Cats heading down to the Championship, the centre back looks to be heading out of the club this summer.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone
Now, the Daily Mail report that Crystal Palace are contemplating a £10million move for Kone, which is no great surprise given that Eagles boss Sam Allardyce worked with and signed the defender at Sunderland.
Mamadou Sakho has starred since signing on loan from Liverpool in January, but with a permanent deal for the Frenchman looking expensive, Kone could be a budget alternative.
Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce and West Bromwich Albion manager Tony Pulis
However, it’s added that West Bromwich Albion are also believed to be keen on signing Kone, with manager Tony Pulis looking to add another defender this summer.
Jonas Olsson’s move to Djurgardens means that West Brom are a man down in defence, and they could challenge Palace for Kone, with the Eagles potentially hoping that his history with Allardyce can give them the upper hand.
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