Sunderland defender Lamine Kone returned to action following a lengthy spell on the sidelines, appearing in the Black Cats' U23’s 2-0 win over Leicester City on Tuesday evening.

The Ivory Coast international picked up a knee injury in training back in November, but could be available for selection when Sunderland return to action against Birmingham City next week in what is a real six-pointer at the bottom of the second tier table.

The 28-year-old linked up with the Black Cats from Lorient in 2016, and was an important member of the squad that suffered the ignominy of relegation last season.

The Paris-born centre-half had been linked with a move away from the club over the past few months, with former Sunderland boss David Moyes reportedly keen to bring the player to West Ham in the current transfer window.

With around a week of the winter transfer window remaining and no firm interest in the player having materialised, it appears that Kone could remain on Wearside until the end of the season.

The Verdict

Kone has returned at the perfect time to secure a move away from the relegation battlers, but with the club having received no bids, manager Chris Coleman could hold onto the player for a few more months.

However with the club struggling and desperate for funds, moving Kone on this month to be given the money required to bolster his squad may appeal to the former Wales boss.

Fans will watch keenly over the course of the next week to see whether interest in the player results in a bid.

Sunderland fans, let us know your thoughts!