Everton have been linked with the Sunderland player but he is no better than what the Toffees already have.
All managers have their favourites, and the Liverpool Echo claims Everton boss Sam Allardyce is interested in bringing Lamine Kone to Goodison Park if he can prove his fitness.
However the simple fact is the Toffees already have players equal to or better than Kone, with the injury-prone 28-year-old a risk simply not worth taking.
Sunderland are reportedly keen to get rid of Kone, who is unlikely to be fit for some time yet, and Allardyce should not be blinded by the player’s previous performances. They are an exception to the rule, and if Everton are going to strengthen their back line in January, they need to sign players who would immediately improve it.
Ashley Williams and Michael Keane have both come in for criticism this season, but both are better than Kone, with the former rediscovering his form at the perfect time and the latter tipped to be one of England’s top centre-backs.
Keane could well be a different player under Allardyce, while even the ageing Phil Jagielka is a better bet than Kone, who is simply not up to the task given his performances for Sunderland last season.
Why Allardyce would put his faith in a player whose stinkers played a major role in the Black Cats’ relegation is anyone’s guess, and Everton will be far better off looking elsewhere.
When they do sign a new defender, it should be one that does not send waves of concern down the spines of their supporters.
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