Crystal Palace eye move for Sunderland defender

Crystal Palace are reportedly eyeing an approach for Sunderland defender Lamine Kone, who could be available for a bargain price in the summer.

The Ivory Coast international joined the Black Cats from French club Lorient in the winter of 2016 and played a key role in their relegation dogfight last term.

He therein followed to attract interest from the likes of Everton and West Ham last summer after which he earned a fresh five-year deal with the Wearside outfit.

Kone has since failed to match his showing from the previous campaign, and this has in hand condemned the Black Cats to the Championship.

According to The Mail, Kone could be among the leading players leaving the Black Cats this summer with both Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion keen on pursuing his services.

Sam Allardyce's Eagles are currently four points adrift of the drop zone with just two games to play, and this could probably secure his top-flight status for another season.

With Mamadou Sakho due to return to parent club Liverpool this summer, Kone has been earmarked as a suitable replacement with a £10m bid likely to test the Black Cats' resolve.