West Ham hopeful of completing the signing of Lamine Kone
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West Ham United are confident of completing the signing of Lamine Kone, according to a report by The Mirror.
Sunderland are reportedly holding out for £20m but The Mirror understands that the Hammers are hopeful of landing him in a deal worth just over £10m.
The Ivory Coast international is thought to be unhappy at Sunderland and is searching for a Premier League move.
He was a regular in Sunderland’s defence last year as the Black Cats were relegated to the Championship.
West Ham could offer that move to the 28-year-old but they face competition from Burnley, West Bromwich Albion and Everton.
Despite the other interest, though, the Hammers remain confident that they can secure Kone as their fifth summer signing.
This would be a peculiar signing by the Hammers to say the least.
Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna are expected to start the season as the first choice centre back pairing.
Then, veteran duo James Collins and Jose Fonte will compete with youngster Declan Rice as back-up options.
Is there a need for a sixth centre back?
Especially someone like Lamine Kone, who is not liked by the Sunderland fans, appears to have an attitude problem and is expensive considering that his performances at the back have been questionable.