Lamine Kone could be close to leaving Sunderland after manager David Moyes confirmed he is not interested in a new and improved contract.
Sunderland boss David Moyes says centre-back Lamine Kone "doesn't want" a new contract, prompting fresh speculation that he will leave the club in this transfer window.
Everton have a bid on the table for the 27-year-old although Sunderland have expressed their determination to keep him on Wearside by offering him a new deal worth a reported £50,000 a week.
Kone, who played in the season-opening 2-1 defeat at Manchester City last weekend, has refused to consider the offer, however, and has also ruled himself out of Sunday's Wear-Tees clash with Middlesbrough due to a back problem.