Everton are believed to be still looking to sign Sunderland defender Lamine Kone.
According to a report in the Northern Echo, Sunderland are still fearful of losing Lamine Kone, despite the defender penning a new contract.
Kone has agreed to signed an improved five-year deal at the Stadium of Light, but David Moyes does not feel entirely certain that he will see the contract out.
Indeed, Everton – who made a number of offers for the 27-year-old in the summer – are believed to still hold an interest.
Everton are thought to be lining up a January offer for Kone, which will be an improvement on the £22 million bid they submitted a few months ago.
Sunderland are still keen to keep hold of Kone, but Moyes apparently realises that he may have to sell to fund any additions he wants to make in the next transfer window.
The Black Cats have a limited budget, in relative terms, and need to balance the books before investing any further in their squad.
The Northern Echo suggest that if Sunderland are allow Kone to leave, Everton could be rivalled by a number of Premier League clubs.
Sunderland are also reportedly concerned about the possibility of losing Jan Kirchhoff in the near future.
Kirchhoff has still not penned a new contract, with his current deal due to expire at the end of the season.
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