Arouna Kone on his way to Crystal Palace

Sky Sports are reporting that Everton striker Arouna Kone is on his way to Crystal Palace on loan for the rest of the season. With the Ivorian’s contract expiring at the end of this season, he will not be returning to the Blues.

The player had earlier been linked with Sunderland and former Toffees manager David Moyes, but it appears the London club have won that race. He was reported to have said that he wanted to stay in the Premier League, and looks like he has had his wish.

The 33-year-old hasn’t had much opportunity to play under Ronald Koeman this season, totaling 76 minutes in six total appearances. Kone is an Ivory Coast international but was not selected for the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations being held in Gabon.

Brought in by Roberto Martinez from Wigan Athletic, Kone has been with the Blues since the beginning of the 2013-14 season, scoring 6 times in 45 appearances, though 3 of those goals came in a hattrick against Sunderland. His time at Goodison Park was also marred by a serious knee injury which led him to miss the bulk of his first season.

Koeman yesterday said that the player was free to pursue football outside of Everton -

“It is possible he will leave. I don’t know (if it will be before the window), he is training and doing well but he likes to play, but we have used other players than Arouna.

“I have had some offers for him.”