Sunderland have made the right choice in holding out for a larger sum for Lamine Kone.

RMC Sport is reporting that Strasbourg want to sign the Ivorian international, but the deal is being held up by Sunderland’s request for a higher transfer fee. Having signed him from Lorient in 2016, the Black Cats are right in looking to recoup as much of that fee as possible.

As one of the club’s big earners, there is an imperative to move him on as the club adjusts to the severe financial shock of dropping down to League One. The desire for him to move on is thought to be mutual with his attitude reflecting an unwillingness to play outside the top flight.

It is a disappointing turn of events. In his first season, Kone was such a revelation that he attracted serious attention just six months after joining Sunderland for £6 million. Yet his form since then has tailed off. Last season was particularly disappointing. He made fewer interceptions and blocks per game than any previous season with Sunderland, while giving away more fouls. He could point to his injury that saw him miss three months as being a cause for his form tailing off, but it appeared that his mind was more focused on a return to the top flight away from Wearside.

Kone remains a good player. Were he motivated, he could guide Sunderland to promotion. As it stands, he could make the club a reasonable sum. They should squeeze every penny out of him.

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