Should Everton decide to go back in for Sunderland’s Lamine Kone in January, they face a four-way fight to secure the Ivory Coast international’s signature, report the Liverpool Echo.
According to the report, the Toffees face competition from Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham United to sign the 27-year-old who was recently singled out for criticism by Jamie Carragher recently.
The Sky Sports pundit recently claimed that Kone has put in some “unacceptable” performances for David Moyes’ struggling Black Cats so far this season, making interest in him that much more peculiar.
Whether Kone isn’t playing to his optimum level because he wants to force a transfer remains to be seen but Everton did see a £16 million bid for his services turned down over the summer.
Nevertheless, if Ronald Koeman decides to target Kone as extra competition for Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka, it is claimed Sunderland want to receive a fee of £20 million for the former Lorient man.