Everton have reportedly failed with a new move for Sunderland defender Lamine Kone.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone scores
According to Foot Mercato, Sunderland have rejected Everton’s latest offer for central defender Lamine Kone ahead of Wednesday’s transfer deadline.
The Black Cats have added a couple of centre backs this summer in Papy Djilobodji and Paddy McNair, but they remain adamant that star defender Kone isn’t leaving the club.
Lamine Kone scores for Sunderland
The 27-year-old centre back joined the club from Lorient back in January, and he enjoyed a superb end to the season as his outstanding defending helped Sunderland stay in the Premier League.
However, his impressive displays have triggered major interest, and Sunderland are attempting to fight off interest from Premier League rivals Everton.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone in action with Watford’s Troy Deeney
Manager Ronald Koeman has already landed Ashley Williams, but he has been pursuing a deal for Ivory Coast international Kone in recent weeks too – but his latest bid has also been rejected.
Foot Mercato report that Everton offered a deal of €21.4m (£19m) for Kone, whilst they even added an intriguing Champions League clause into the deal.
Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero in action with Sunderland’s Lamine Kone
It’s stated that Everton offered to add in a clause worth an extra €3.5m (£3m) if they qualify for the Champions League in the next five years, taking the deal to a potential £22m – only for Sunderland to say no once again.
David Moyes is believed to be blocking Kone’s departure, and with just over 24 hours to go until the end of the transfer window, it’s looking more and more likely that Kone will be staying at the Stadium of Light.
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