Everton line up £14m move for Sunderland defender to replace John Stones
24th April 2016 - Barclays Premier League - Sunderland v Arsenal - Olivier Giroud of Arsenal stretches for the ball ahead of Lamine Kone of Sunderland - Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
Everton are reportedly ready to launch a £14 million bid for Sunderland defender Lamine Kone as they search for a replacement for John Stones, according to the Sun.
The England international is understood to be closing in on a £50 million move to Manchester City, and Toffees manager Ronald Koeman has wasted no time in his search for a replacement for the 22-year-old, as he looks to add to a squad that has only been boosted by the arrival of goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg so far this summer.
Kone joined the Black Cats in January as former boss Sam Allardyce swooped to bring in the Ivorian from Lorient, and the centre-back went on to impress, helping the Mackems escape relegation, and sending arch-rivals Newcastle United down as a result.
He made 15 appearances in the Premier League for Sunderland, scoring twice – both in a 3-0 win against Everton at the Stadium of Light that ensured they would be playing in the top-flight again this term.