Sunderland manager David Moyes has ruled out the possibility of selling Lamine Kone this summer.
The centre-back has been heavily linked with a switch to Everton, while the player himself recently requested to leave the club having not been offered a new contract.
However, Moyes promised that a new contract would be on the table after the transfer window has ended and insists that the 27-year-old is a big part of his plans.
"We've told Lamine Kone he will be offered a new contract in September," he told reporters.
"Lamine is very much part of my plans. We will renew his contract on September 1. Lamine is a big part of the team, the fans like him and we need him."
Sunderland will begin the new Premier League campaign away to Manchester City on Saturday.
Written by
Barney Corkhill
Barney Corkhill
