West Bromwich Albion are planning to lodge a formal bid for Sunderland defender.
West Brom manager Tony Pulis
West Bromwich Albion could secure one of the bargain signings of the summer if they manage to seal a deal for the Ivorian defender Lamine Kone.
According to the reports from Sky Sports (h/t The Chronicle), the Baggies are preparing a £9 million bid for the Sunderland defender.
The Chronicle reports that the Ivorian is all set to leave the Stadium of lights, following Sunderland’s relegation to the Championships.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone in action with West Bromwich Albion’s Salomon Rondon
Mamadou Sakho was Tony Pulis’s first choice target, but with Liverpool demanding £30 million for the French international defender, West Brom were forced to turn their attention elsewhere.
Nevertheless, Kone would be a terrific signing for the club. The Baggies are planning to test Sunderland’s resolve with a £9 million opening offer; half of the £18 million Everton were willing to pay last summer.
Lamine Kone scores the second goal for Sunderland
From that perspective, it will be a bargain should they manage to get the deal done. The report adds that the Black Cats will look to recoup some money to help soften the financial blow of relegation, and could be forced to sell him at a reduced price.
However, West Brom are not alone in the race to sign him. According to reports from the Evening Standard, West Ham are heavily interested in signing him, and are considering a summer bid for the 28-year-old as well.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone scores their first goal
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