Everton put Sunderland's Lamine Kone on top of January transfer target list

A report today suggests that Everton boss Ronald Koeman is desperate to bolster his defensive squad in the aftermath of a 5-0 hammering at Chelsea on Saturday.

The Liverpool Echo today reports the Dutchman wants greater competition in his squad.

Everton part-owner Farhad Moshiri has talked of the men Everton missed out on in the last transfer window, the Sunderland defender being one.

It is understood the Black Cats rejected an £18million offer for the giant centre-half.

Kone, who signed a new and improved contract at the Stadium of Light soon after, admitted in a recent interview in France that he had wanted to move to Goodison Park.

“Everton, they are not a small club," he said. "There were other clubs interested too. But it was not concrete like Everton.

“It was a very good opportunity for me. A golden opportunity. They are playing for the top positions. They could be in Europe.

“So it was an interesting challenge for me. At the time, I was disappointed."

Kone added there was "no grudge" with Sunderland over their decision not to sell him but the Black Cats may decide to cash in when the January Window is opened.

As we reported last week, the Wearsiders are tracking highly-rated Croatia centre-half Domagoj Vida and had a representative at Dinamo Kiev's Champions League defeat at Benfica.

With the Ukraine title holders heading out of Europe, off the pace for for their national crown and Vida having 18 mojnths left on his contract, he could be picked up in January.