Black Cats must cling on to Koné

The summer transfer window is upon us. Unfortunately, with the grand total of new recruits at zero it can’t yet be described as being in full swing for Sunderland. However, whilst new players have yet to formally sign on the dotted line for the Black Cats it certainly doesn’t stop the rumour mill from churning out gossip on a daily basis.

New manager David Moyes has barely had a chance to settle into his new role. However his head must already be in a daze given the amount of names that have been linked with Sunderland over the last few days alone.

In terms of arrivals Moyes is surely doing all he can to bring players into the threadbare squad he inherited. However, one particular transfer rumour that can’t have given the Scot any early encouragement is that of a potential departure. Worryingly, Sunderland central defender Lamie Koné is being linked with various Premier League clubs including Leicester City and Everton.

Now, of course this could simply be a matter of a shrewd agent generating the news in order to capitalise on his client’s excellent form since his January capture. This certainly wouldn’t be the first time agents have used the media to secure a more lucrative contract for their players.

However, the fees being mooted are between £15-20mil for the Ivorian Coast international and if we assume the interest is genuine you would expect Sunderland to be open to a deal at that price.

Moyes is certainly used to operating on a limited transfer budget. Although, he will realise that in order to bring in all of his summer transfer targets there is likely to be a need to jettison some of the higher profile players to create extra capital.

Koné certainly fits the bill of ‘higher profile’. The towering central defender was instrumental in securing Sunderland’s Premier League status this season and slotted into the Black Cats back line extraordinarily well. He has everything you would want in a no nonsense centre back – pace, power, physicality and even a goal threat.

Let’s face facts; it’s easy to understand why other teams are looking at Koné. If we take it that the rumour has some substance it does seem a very typical problem for Sunderland just at the moment. As soon as there is a shard of quality and consistency along comes Roy Hodgson and his bumbling tactics - the FA then steals away your manager. As soon as your defence takes shape along comes Everton, Leicester City et al to try and tempt your instrumental defender away.

However, more so than ever Sunderland need to buck this burgeoning trend. Based on the form shown from January onwards there is no reason why Lamine Koné and Younès Kaboul cannot be at the heart of Sunderland’s defence for the next two or three seasons, at least. David Moyes has inherited a squad that is frayed on the edges yes, but where there is strength the Black Cats should build around it not knock it down again.

If it’s a new contract that Koné is after, there is a temptation to improve his current deal given the fee to replace him is likely to be significant.

Hopefully, for Sunderland, this one can remain a rumour.