Sunderland manager David Moyes has told the Sunderland Echo that they haven’t heard from West Ham or any other club about interest in defender Lamine Kone.
The Sun reported on Monday that the Hammers are ready to meet Kone’s release clause of £18million in the January transfer window, but speaking after the Black Cats’ 1-0 defeat to Chelsea last night, Moyes revealed that although the Ivory Coast international does indeed have a release clause in his contract, it is not £18m.
“There is a clause in the contract but it doesn’t mean he can go in January. Also, I have to say that it is not at the figure that the papers have suggested.”
Kone agreed a new five year contract to stay at the Stadium of Light in September but the release clause that was added into the new deal has certainly increased interest from the likes of Everton and the Hammers who are looking to strengthen their defensive options when the window opens next month.
The 27 year old has played 14 out of 16 Premier League matches so far this season, and has been a regular since he arrived form Lorient at the end of the last January transfer window.
