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According to reports in the French media, West Ham United and Crystal Palace are going head to head in the battle for Lamine Kone.

With Sunderland relegated to the Sky Bet Championship, Lamine Kone’s exit from the Stadium of Light is widely expected.

French media outlet Foot Mercato are reporting that Crystal Palace and West Ham United have already held discussions with Lamine Kone’s representatives ahead of a summer transfer.

Former West Ham manager Sam Allardyce signed Lamine Kone when he was Sunderland manager and now wants to bring him to Crystal Palace.

Allardyce has reportedly held talks with the Ivory Coast international’s agents in an attempt to persuade him to join the Eagles.

But he faces competition from West Ham.

The Hammers have also spoken to Kone’s agents and would be interested in signing the physical 28-year-old.

It would be a slightly peculiar move considering that West Ham have Jose Fonte, James Collins, Winston Reid, Angelo Ogbonna, Reece Burke and Reece Oxford on their books.

However, Foot Mercato have reported that talks have taken place and a £10m fee is being touted to land the centre half from Championship-bound Sunderland.