West Ham to trigger Lamine Kone release clause

West Ham United have reportedly decided to activate the release clause of Sunderland defender Lamine Kone in January. The Ivory Coast international was tipped to join Everton in the summer before the Black Cats refused his transfer request.

Kone, 26, joined the Black Cats from Lorient at the start of 2015, and was crucial to the side's battle against the Premier League drop. He had therein been linked with a move to Goodison Park in August before the club's hierarchy decided against cashing in on his services.

The centre-half has since inked a fresh long-term deal with the Wearside club which is said to include an escape clause of around £18m.

According to The Sun, the Hammers are well aware of the player's valuation, and they will seek to finalize a transfer with the Black Cats when the transfer window reopens next month.

Sunderland are currently rockbottom of the league whilst West Ham United are three places ahead of them holding a two-point advantage.