David Moyes: 'Lamine Kone has rejected new Sunderland contract'

Sunderland defender Lamine Kone has turned down the club's offer of a new contract, according to Black Cats boss David Moyes.

The 27-year-old, who joined Sunderland from Lorient midway through last season, was reportedly the subject of an £18m bid from Everton earlier this month.

"We want to keep him. We made him a contract offer this week, which at this point in time he's refused," Moyes said in Friday's press conference.

"I hope he will still be here. He's a very good player. I don't want to lose him. I've told him that from the start.

We brought [a new contract offer] forward just to give him the feeling of security. But he's chosen not to want it. He's six months into a four-year contract so there's no real panic."

Moyes also revealed that the Ivory Coast international reported to training on Friday with a bad back, which will rule him out of Sunday's game against Middlesbrough.