Sunderland sign Lorient defender Kone

Rob Conlon
Lamine Kone: Defender spent five years at Lorient

Lamine Kone: Defender spent five years at Lorient

Sunderland have completed the signing of Lorient defender Lamine Kone for an undisclosed fee.

Kone has signed a deal which commits him to the Wearside club until the end of the 2019-20 season.

The France-born Ivory Coast international becomes Sunderland’s second new centre-back after the acquisition of Jan Kirchcoff from Bayern Munich.

Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce told his club’s official website: “Strengthening our defensive options was a priority for us and Lamine is a player that has impressed me when I’ve seen him play.”

Kone’s arrival is likely to mean former Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates is allowed to depart, with Sporting Lisbon interested in the Uruguayan.