Everton transfer news: Sunderland defender Lamine Kone has asked to leave the Premier League club
Toffees boss Ronald Koeman prepares move for Ivory Coast ace after he tells David Moyes he wants out of Stadium of Light
LAMINE KONE has issued a come and get me plea to Everton after asking to leave Sunderland on the eve of the new Premier League season.
The big Ivory Coast defender has been linked with the Toffees all summer.
And he took a step closer to that switch after requesting to leave due to not being offered an improved deal to rock David Moyes ahead of their opening game at Manchester City on Saturday.
The 27-year-old said in a statement: “After a week in which there has been a vast amount of speculation with regard to my future at Sunderland football club, I think that it is only fair to the fans of the club to clarify the situation.
“At the end of last season, I was told by the club that I would be offered a new contract. Following numerous phone conversations and face-to-face meetings, the latest of which took place today with David Moyes and Martin Bain [Chief executive], no contract has been forthcoming.”
He added: “It is therefore with much regret that I can only assume that I do not figure in David Moyes' future plans.
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“With that being the case, it is with much sadness that I have asked the manager and the chief executive to be allowed to leave Sunderland Football Club.
“However until that time, I give my word that I will give my utmost in training and on the field.”
It is believed Kone travelled to Merseyside earlier this week to try and push through a move to Goodison Park
He returned to the north east after no deal could be struck between the clubs, and he now appears to be trying to force Sunderland’s hand.
Everton boss Ronald Koeman, who sold John Stones to Manchester City for £47.5million this week, is rebuilding the club’s defence and has already brought in Ashley Williams.