The Everton man has been linked with Sunderland today.
The Mirror reported on Tuesday that Sunderland boss David Moyes wants a reunion with Everton defender Phil Jagielka.
It claims defender Lamine Kone – who only joined Sunderland in January – has travelled to Merseyside ahead of an £18 million switch to Everton and Moyes wants the veteran centre-half to replace him.
The report does not state whether it could be a player-plus-cash deal or simply two separate transfers.
The 27-year-old is hugely popular on Wearside after an excellent first five months with the Black Cats, and scored twice in the 3-0 win over Everton which secured Sunderland’s Premier League status – and relegated bitter North-East rivals Newcastle United in the process.
As a result of his popularity, Sunderland fans seem angry not only at the prospect of losing him, but the idea that the Everton man – who turns 34 this month – is his direct replacement.
Moyes brought the England international to Goodison Park from Sheffield United in 2007 and has been one of Everton’s stand-out performers for over a decade.
But Sunderland fans’ reception of the speculation is hardly surprising given his age, and of course how influential Kone is at the Stadium of Light.
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