Everton manager Sam Allardyce has delivered an honest assessment of Sunderland defender Lamine Kone after he was linked with a January move to Goodison Park. Allardyce praised Kone's performances under him at Sunderland but insisted there is "no truth it at the moment" and has questioned Kone's ability to sustain a high level of performance. The former Sunderland boss took charge of Premier League Everton last month and has since been strongly linked with a January swoop for centre back Kone. The Ivory Coast international, currently out injured for at least another month with a knee injury, was a target for Everton in the summer of 2016 but the proposed £18million transfer didn't go through and the defender signed a new five-deal on Wearside. Cash-strapped Sunderland could sell him next month and Everton are among the clubs linked with a move for a cut-price deal, Kone's value plummeting in the last 18-months. His standard of performance has also dipped with Sunderland relegated from the Premier League last season and then struggling in the Championship this. Allardyce signed Kone from French side Lorient for £5million in the 2016 January transfer window. Asked about the transfer speculation Allardyce said: "What a shock that one is. I didn't think that one would come up. Did you? "There's no truth in it at the moment. "Lamine was one of the outstanding defenders who produced a remarkable run of performances when he first arrived at Sunderland to help us stay in the Premier League but since then I'm not quite sure what's happened to his career. "It's obviously slipped way down from where he was when he performed with me so that puts a doubt about his ability to sustain that level of performance, so I'm not sure whether I'd be interested or not to be honest. "But I found him to be not only a fantastic footballer but a fantastic lad when he was playing with me in that period of time." Some of Sunderland’s high earners could be moved on in January to free up funds and wages, with Kone and Didier Ndong set to attract the most interest.
Or.... He’s not worth what he was. If I buy him, I might be able to up his game/value again, but that upside is down to me. For the risk this eon’t Work out, i’ll only pay 50p and a packet of crisps
Translation, I like the lad and I'll take him off your hands for nothing to do you a favour. Yeh? **** off!!
Ellis Short. Replies: "Only if it's those nice walkers sensations caramelised onion flavour. Otherwise no deal. "Although salt n shake might change my mind
Playing down the transfer while leaving it open to happen while putting down his form. Translates to me as he wants him but he wants him cheap. And he'll get him cheap too imo.
I think that Sam will come in for him very early on into the transfer market and offer probably around 4m for him!! Sam knows what’s going on behind the scenes at SAFC and he’ll think he can offer what he likes in the belief that he can get him for peanuts. I say we hold on to him and unless we get 8-10m then let him go!!! (Forgotten how long does he have left on his contract?)
Sunderland defender Lamine Kone, 28, is not a target for Everton "at the moment", says Toffees manager Sam Allardyce. (Sun) So he says until the price is right. Or steals him
Sam is a wily character. He’s downplaying his value before the January window. He will know you want to sell him so he is playing it canny.
I agree financially but I think he drags the team morale down and is a waste of talent - a deplorable, attitude and work rate imo. Taking the financial hit (not unusual for us) will benefit the squad and add to the CC team spirit again imo
Sorry Wandy but that’s crap. The money is what Coleman needs to strengthen. He can train with the kids if he impacts the first team. For all we know, Coleman may get him to as good form as Sam did
Not changing my view - I think he's a disruptive presence. But if CC is able to accommodate him in a positive way for the club obviously I want him here.
Don’t argue the disruptive presence at all mate. It’s the money I argue. We should be recouping our money for him as a minimum and would be cutting our noses off to spite our faces if we make a loss.
Agree but like I said it would be worth taking a hit financially to get him out of the club to allow us the develop as a focused team unit .
Not from a business perspective in any way. Coleman can manage big characters. If he hinders the team Coleman will manage him. He’s a saleable asset for all intents and purposes. If he’s wanted he becomes more valuable. I can’t see how sell My at Alisa would benefit Coleman in building a team to push to mid table
