Sunderland are prepared to make Lamine Kone the club’s highest paid player in a bid to keep him at the club, according to Foot Mercato, via Get French Football.
Kone, 27, has only been at Sunderland since January but was a pivotal player in their bid to remain in the Premier League last season.
His performances have caught the eye of new Everton manager Ronald Koeman and the Dutchman wants to bring the central defender to Goodison Park, although Sunderland are now planning to make Kone their highest paid player to keep him.
Kone averaged more clearances per game last season than any other player that made more than 10 appearances (9.2).
For more stats on Lamine Kone, click here to visit his WhoScored player page