West Ham reportedly want defender; Asking price is £20million

According to reports, West Ham are targeting Sunderland defender Lamine Kone. However, the Black Cats said to be demanding up to £20 million for the player, while the Hammers believe that the player is worth half the amount.

The 28-year-old Kone was named in a controversial video by Darron Gibson as one of the players that no longer wish to play for the club.

Gibson was caught on tape where he blasted several of his team-mates, including Kone, for the Black Cats’ recent poor run of form which also included a 5-0 pre-season thrashing at the hands of Scottish club Celtic.

Kone has widely been touted to leave this summer. The centre-back was impressive during his first half season with the Black Cats in 2015-16 and helped the club avoid relegation that season.

Last season however, he could not help the club avoid the drop and he has reportedly also attracted the attention of Everton, Burnley and West Brom.