By Laura O'Leary

10th Dec, 2017 | 7:51pm

Allardyce poised to bring PL performer he rates highly to Everton in cut-price move - report

Everton are plotting a move for Sunderland’s Lamine Kone as Sam Allardyce wants to be reunited with the player in January, according to a report.

The Sun reports that the new Toffees boss is keen on signing Kone if he can prove his fitness after a recent knee injury.

Allardyce signed the defender for Sunderland two years ago, and Kone was a key part in the club avoiding relegation at that time.

However this season in the Championship, the defender has only managed 11 league appearances due to injury.

Sunderland could do with the defender staying as they face a relegation battle this season, but Kone is one of the highest earners at the club and therefore Sunderland are keen to get him off the payroll.

It is said that they would do a deal cheaply for the player who has 45 Premier League games under his belt.

Football Insider Verdict

Everton’s defence leaked goals ahead of Allardyce arrival to the club, and the new boss has no doubt identified that as an area that needs immediate improvement. Kone proved himself to be capable of playing in the Premier League with Sunderland, and with Allardyce knowing the player it would be a wise move. The defender is available on the cheap due to Sunderland wanting to lower their wage bill, but Everton won’t be so keen to offer him a high wage, which could be a problem. While Kone has a lot of going for him, there is a huge question mark how quickly he can get back up to speed after his knee injury. The Toffees are smart to wait and see how he recovers, and if he manages several appearances for Sunderland over the Christmas period, they should make a move.

In other Everton transfer news, the Toffees are eyeing a move for this Barcelona striker, according to a report.

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