Everton-target Lamine Kone speaks out about Sunderland future

Lamine Kone has spoken out about his Sunderland future on a video captured by supporters.
Lamine KoneLamine Kone
Lamine Kone

Everton target Kone was back in training at the Academy of Light this morning - and is available for selection against Manchester City.

The 27-year-old is understood to have been on Merseyside on Monday about a possible £18million move to Everton after failing to receive a new contract offer he was expecting at Sunderland.

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But Kone's agent, Mark McKay confirmed overnight the centre-back would re-join his team-mates on Wearside following a scheduled day off.

McKay added that Kone is available for the trip to Manchester City on Saturday, adding he is yet to be offered a new contract.

Kone only signed in January from Lorient for £5million and still has four years left to run on his current deal.

As Kone drove away from the Sunderland training ground this morning, the defender was asked for an update on his future by fans.

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The Ivory Coast international replied: “The club promised me a new contract.”

And when asked if he wanted to stay, he said: “Yeah.”

Everton would have to cough up upwards of £18million to sign Kone with Sunderland not sanctioning any move until defensive cover has been added.

Sunderland have moved for Manchester United duo Paddy McNair and Donald Love after refusing to let Kone leave before lining up replacements.

The Black Cats are understood to have agreed a combined £5.5million fee for the 21-year-old defenders as David Moyes looks to bolster his defensive options.

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McKay said: "Lamine Kone will be at training with Sunderland [Wednesday] and is available, if selected, for Sunderland's game with Manchester City [on Saturday].

"However, he still awaits the offer of the new contract."