Petition launched by Sunderland fan to 'Keep Kone'

That's the title of a change.org petition set up by a Sunderland fan called D Moir in the wake of rumours that the defender could be on his way out of the Stadium of Light.

The petition, which at the time of writing had been signed by 122 supporters, states: "This petition has been set up to highlight the fans' concerns in relation to the club agreeing a fee with Everton over one of our best players, Lamine Kone.

"If the reports are simply just rumours then the club should come out and openly confirm this to the fans."

Click here to go to the petition.

Dozens of fans have been commenting on sunderlandecho.com and on our SAFC Facebook page after the news of a possible transfer to Everton or Chelsea broke yesterday.

BarrierTwelve said: "There are 3 possible changes for the season ahead - get worse, stay the same or improve. As we finished 4th bottom last season I want the third option. But, how can we hope to do this if we sell our best players?"

What would Shack do 54 wrote: "I don't go along with the view that this is all about making a quick buck. SAFC are trying to run a successful football club not a pension fund. I think SAFC actually believe they can use the money from the sale of Kone to improve the squad. It could work but it is a massive gamble."

trueredandwhite typed: "If Kone was offered a 'new deal', I think he will stay at SAFC. It is possible there is a game going on here to get an improved offer that is being orchestrated by agents."

Have you had your say? Leave your comments below or visit our Facebook page devoted to SAFC.