Sunderland defender Lamine Kone was heavily linked with Everton in January.
Sunderland boss David Moyes has insisted to the Chronicle that he never received any offers for Lamine Kone in the January transfer window.
Kone was heavily linked with Everton last month, with Ronald Koeman’s side said to be keen to snap up the powerful centre-back.
However, Sunderland kept hold of Kone, and Moyes said that no offers were made for the 28-year-old.
“You know me I’ll tell you this straight, I never at any time had any offers coming in for him, we had nothing,” said Moyes.
“I wouldn’t have let him go anyway. He’s too important. He’s come back, he’s helped us, scored a good goal (at Crystal Palace) and I think he’s played well for the last few games. They (Kone and Dider Ndong, both recently returned from the African Nations Cup) look fresh.
“Maybe, sometimes there’s too many things going on.”
Sunderland have already been rewarded for keeping hold of Kone, as he was excellent in their most recent match.
Kone scored during the Black Cats’ 4-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last weekend, and was solid in defence throughout.
The Ivorian looks to have a key role to play for the remainder of the season, as Sunderland look to avoid the drop.
Moyes’ men are currently stuck at the bottom of the Premier League table.
Sunderland are next in action later today, when they take on Southampton at the Stadium of Light.
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