The Sunderland centre back was subject to a bid from Everton last summer, and looks like he’ll be leaving the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone during the warm up before the match
Should West Bromwich Albion land Sunderland defender Lamine Kone, as reported by Sky Sports (16:48, 7/6/2017), it would be a brilliant signing for everyone affiliated with the Baggies, and would be a serious statement of intent for the upcoming season.
The 28-year-old Ivory Coast international is set to be subject to a £9m bid from Tony Pulis’ side, despite the fact that the Black Cats rejected an £18m bid for Kone’s services from Everton last summer, and would significantly boost the Baggies’ defence if he’s signed.
Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey in action with Sunderland’s Bryan Oviedo and Lamine Kone
It seems that Sunderland’s relegation and poor season all round has led West Brom to believe that Kone could be available for a lesser fee, and given what the 28-year-old will bring to the table, it would be money well spent.
Imperious in the air, tidy on the ball and defensively alert, Kone represents the ideal centre back for the Premier League, and a defensive partnership of Kone and Jonny Evans would make for a tough afternoon’s work for any striker in the top flight.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone in action with West Bromwich Albion’s Salomon Rondon
Whether Sunderland accept the bid or not is another story, but despite Kone recently signing a new deal, given that he was one of the two players to refused to play in the final match of the season against Chelsea, as reported by the Daily Express, the club may see fit to just accept the bid and let him leave.
While Sunderland could use that money to significantly strengthen their squad so that they get an automatic return to the Championship, you feel that West Brom would have the better part of the deal by having Kone amongst their ranks.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone in action with Hull City’s Abel Hernandez
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