Lamine Kone is a player who has seemed destined to leave the Stadium of Light for months now despite playing regularly for the Black Cats last season. 

The centre-back played 24 Championship matches but has made his intentions to leave the club clear since the start of preseason when he failed to show up for training.

A few sides have shown an interest in the Ivorian with the latest being Turkish club Trabzonspor.

But it was revealed that the club are struggling to find the money needed to match the valuation of Sunderland owner Stewart Donald.

Donald has a clear valuation for Kone of around £8million and is not keen to budge on that price at all.

This has led to questions about whether it is the right move from the owner.

If keeping an unhappy player is only going to disrupt the squad then should he not get rid of that player?

Should Donal lower his asking price?

We discuss...

Gary Hutchinson

Of course, he should, but he’s a businessman so he won’t. These final few days of the transfer window are much like a game of poker and Donald is not showing his hand just yet.

As the hours count down, if the interest is bound by our transfer window, expect the valuation to shift.

Jay Williams

Sunderland need to lower their price and ease their stance on Kone.

It is clear that the Ivorian is never going to play for the club again and they need to get his astronomical wages off the books.

Any transfer fee is a bonus and can be reinvested in the playing squad so it is time to just sell.

Jay Taylor

Just get rid.

He won’t play for Sunderland, and the wages are high. It is a recipe for disaster.

Get rid and re-invest before the transfer window closes.

Chris Gallagher

Yes, they need him gone.

The Ivory Coast international is surely on a big wage and it can't be good for anyone if he remains at the club as Jack Ross tries to build a real spirit and togetherness in the dressing room.

Alfie Burns

If Donald can afford it then he is right to play hardball here.

However, if Kone’s wage is hurting Sunderland, they need rid.

I guess it is only a question Donald can answer.