Sunderland manager Jack Ross has confirmed that centre-back Lamine Kone will play no part in the club's upcoming pre-season friendlies, report the Shield's Gazette. 

The 29-year-old has made no secret of his desire to leave the Black Cats and now Ross's patience appears to have worn out.

"He doesn’t want to be here, I’m going to be entirely blunt about it," Ross said.

"That’s where we’re at and that’ll be an ongoing process as well.”

Kone recently stayed at home whilst the rest of the club travelled to Portugal for their training camp after he had made it clear he wants to leave the club.

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The Ivorian signed from Lorient during the 2016 January transfer window and impressed during the first half of the season despite the Black Cats' relegation.

He made 24 appearances last season as well, but now a move away looks a certainty with Everton one of the favourites to land the centre-back. 

The verdict 

Just get rid of him. There is clearly no point in holding onto someone who wants to leave as much as Kone.

Obviously, they should not just accept any bid for him, but keeping players who are determined to leave is nearly always damaging to a side.

Ross has done a decent job steadying the Sunderland ship and getting rid of Kone would be a continuation of this progress.