Kone wants to leave Everton

Lamine Kone has asked to leave Sunderland after the club's failure to offer him a new contract.

The defender had been told that he would be offered an improved contract after helping the club avoid Premier League relegation last season.

However, the contract has not been forthcoming and following talks with manager David Moyes and chief executive Martin Bain, the Ivorian has asked to leave the Stadium of Light.

"After a week in which there has been a vast amount of speculation with regard to my future at Sunderland Football Club, I think that it is only fair to the fans of the club to clarify the situation," he said in a statement.

"At the end of last season, I was told by the club that I would be offered a new contract. Following numerous phone conversations and face-to-face meetings, the latest of which took place today with David Moyes and Martin Bain, no contract has been forthcoming.

"It is therefore with much regret that I can only assume that I do not figure in David Moyes' future plans.

"With that being the case, it is with much sadness that I have asked the manager and the chief executive to be allowed to leave Sunderland Football Club.

"However until that time, I give my word that I will give my utmost in training and on the field."

Sunderland kick off their season against Manchester City on Saturday evening and it remains to be seen whether the Black Cats can reach an agreement with the defender, who has been linked with a move to Everton.

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