Sunderland manager Simon Grayson has said he will sell defender Lamine Kone if the right offer comes in, with both West Ham and Southampton interested in the Ivory Coast international, reports the Daily Star.
Kone, who was Sunderland’s Player of the Year in his first season with the Black Cats, has since struggled to replicate that form and has fallen out of favour with Sunderland fans, many of whom believe his poor displays are due to him wanting out of the club.
Those rumours were intensified after team-mate Darren Gibson was pictured drunk, naming a number of players at the Stadium of Light, including Kone, who were ‘no longer trying’.
Despite the claims manager Simon Grayson has backed Kone to continue his success with the club, however has stated he would be willing to part ways with the defender should the right offer come in.
“He has shown a good attitude,” said the Sunderland chief. “We have a value on his head and if nobody reaches that value, he will stay. Lamine has been questioned but he was outstanding the other night.”
West Ham fans have taken to Twitter to share their thoughts on their links with the want away Sunderland star, and many aren’t happy …
Why would we want him? He's useless
— Ben Hanley (@bezmond101) August 8, 2017
Let him stay then. Why do we even want him? Ordinary CB at best
— John Fellowes (@westhamfan46) August 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/K_Chapman89/status/893792212148006912
kone and fonte. obviously preparing for the championship then
— michael jones (@apl63) August 5, 2017
His first touch for Sunderland tonight was a long ball pumped up field.. would fit in lovely 🙈
— Gaz Hird (@GazHird08) August 4, 2017
No no , no no no no, no no no……..
— Simon Acland (@WhuSi65) August 4, 2017
