Everton are confident of completing the deal of Lamine Kone, reports The Liverpool Echo.
The 27-year-old has emerged as a target of Koeman, who has launched an £18million bid to secure the services of the Ivorian international.
John Stones departed the club yesterday for a club record sale of £47.5million, however, the Dutchman has today, added to the centre-back department with the acquisition of Ashley Williams.
Kone is said to have been in Merseyside earlier this week for talks but has since returned to training with Sunderland.
He joined Sunderland last January where he played 15 times at the heart of Sam Allardyce’s defence, who avoided relegation.
The move was originally put on hold as former Everton boss David Moyes wanted replacement in the door, with Paddy McNair and Donald Love signing, it seems a deal could happen soon, although it’s unclear if either will be first-team players.
Moyes has tried to include skipper Phil Jagielka in a deal, though, Everton won’t exercise a swap deal.
Sunderland fans spoke to Kone whilst entering the training ground earlier, who explained to the Black Cats’ supporters he hadn’t been offered a new contract as promised.
Everton remain confident they can push a move through to strengthen the relatively weak area.
