Sunderland are determined to keep hold of Lamine Kone.

The Sunderland Echo says both Everton and Leicester have enquired about Kone this summer, with the Ivory Coast international understandably attracting attention with his performances from the final four months of last season.

Despite talk of an £18million offer from Everton, it is understood that Kone is likely to remain at the Stadium of Light and reports today have suggested that he has been offered a new lucrative contract.

Sunderland boss David Moyes said: “I'm always going to keep the best players, but I'm also going to move the club along. At different times things will have to change.

“We had to sell Wayne Rooney, Mikel Arteta, Jack Rodwell, Joleon Lescott, but it didn't affect the club, the club moved on.

“I would never say that it won't happen. But I want to keep the best players and build a team. The more important thing is us bringing players in and bringing in players who can get us away from the wrong end of the league."