Lamine Kone pens Sunderland extension

Lamine Kone has inked a fresh five-year deal at Sunderland, The Ivory Coast international was denied a switch to Everton in the summer transfer window.

The 27-year-old joined the Black Cats from French minnows Lorient in January and played a key role in their quest to beat the drop last season.

He had been the subject of a £22m bid from the Toffees over the summer but manager David Moyes made the decision that the player was not for sale any price.

"Lamine is an important player for this club and I made that clear to him from the outset," Moyes told the club's official website. 

"The challenge for Lamine now is to build on what has been a very positive introduction to English football and to continue to improve and grow as a player." 

Despite being impressive in the opening stages of the campaign, Sunderland are yet to pick up a win in the top flight.