Lamine Kone on Merseyside ahead of Everton move

According to the Daily Mail, Sunderland defender Lamine Kone has travelled to Merseyside ahead of a proposed move to Everton.

The Blues are on the hunt for a new centre back this summer, with John Stones looking increasingly likely to join Manchester City.

They have been linked with several centre backs as a result, but Black Cats defender Kone seems to be top of the list alongside Swansea’s Ashley Williams.

He was a star man for them in the second half of last season, playing a key role in helping the side avoid relegation under Sam Allardyce.

According to the Daily Mail the Blues have already offered £18 million for his services to try and push through a deal.

They report that the defender travelled to Merseyside in anticipation of a deal being agreed on Monday, but so far the two clubs remain apart.

Sunderland have asked about players in return, while David Moyes is also reluctant to sanction the deal without having a replacement lined up first.

Kone’s potential arrival is not thought to affect a move for Ashley Williams, with Ronald Koeman actually keen on bringing both to Goodison Park.