According to reports, Everton have offered Sunderland £18m in order to secure the services of defender Lamine Kone. Everton, in an attempt to prepare for life without John Stones, have made the defender their number one priority after their pursuit of Swansea defender Ashley Williams hit a dead end. Sunderland manager David Moyes has asked for players in return as a part of the deal, but Everton are reportedly unwilling to offload anyone.
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Sam Allardyce had signed the defender in January this year from Lorient and the Ivorian was a vital player in the Black Cats’ survival in the Premier League, scoring 3 key goals including 1 against Manchester United and 2 against Everton – games which Sunderland ended up winning. The 27-year-old defender also has some international experience having made 5 appearances for Ivory Coast.
Koeman in an attempt to add physicality and strength to his backline is in hot pursuit of the 27-year-old, who at 6ft 4in would add a great physical edge to the Everton. Along with Jagielka and Ashley Williams – if the deal eventually goes through, the trio would provide defensive solidity to a football club that leaked 55 goals in the last season, the highest in the top half.
The Ivorian was signed by Sunderland for £5m in January and would represent a massive £13m in profit for the Black Cats if the deal goes through.
Everton are set to hold talks with Romelu Lukaku over a new contract, in an attempt to ward off interest from Chelsea. They are also in the market for a goalkeeper as well as Zenit midfielder Alex Witsel. Reportedly, they have also had a bid for Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie rejected.
Everton begin their campaign against Spurs at Goodison Park while Sunderland travel to Manchester to face City.
For a list of the entire Premier League fixtures, click here.
