Everton are reportedly looking to sign Sunderland’s Lamine Kone again.
According to The Sun, Everton have rekindled their interest in signing Sunderland defender Lamine Kone – and are willing to send midfielder James McCarthy in the opposite direction.
The Toffees have added a midfielder to their ranks in Morgan Schneiderlin this month, whilst Ademola Lookman has arrived from Charlton Athletic to boost Ronald Koeman’s attacking options.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone
Koeman may now look to strengthen his defence, even though Mason Holgate is emerging as a real talent having impressed against Manchester City earlier today.
Now, The Sun report that Everton are again keen to land Sunderland defender Lamine Kone, having tried and failed to sign him during the summer transfer window.
Kone, 27, has starred for Sunderland since arriving from Lorient in January of last year, and was a key part of the club’s run to Premier League survival at the end of last season.
Liverpool’s Ragnar Klavan in action with Everton’s James McCarthy
The Ivorian’s performances triggered major interest in his signature over the summer, and Black Cats boss David Moyes told Sky Sports back in August that Sunderland had rejected a bid from Everton for their star centre back.
Now, despite Kone signing a new five-year deal earlier this season, and claims from the Daily Mail that Everton have cooled their interest in the Ivorian, it’s now believed that Koeman’s men could return with a new move for Kone this month.
Kone is currently in Gabon as part of the Ivory Coast squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, but that doesn’t seem to be putting off Everton – and the Toffees may offer up James McCarthy in a swap deal.
It’s stated that Everton are open to letting McCarthy go as part of the deal, as the arrival of Schneiderlin and emergence of Tom Davies has seen the Irishman drop down the pecking order at Goodison Park.
With Sunderland lacking quality in midfield, McCarthy could be a smart addition, though convincing him to join their battle against relegation may be difficult for Sunderland to pull off this month.
Would you like to see Everton swap McCarthy for Kone?
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