Crystal Palace found themselves in a tricky position for a significant amount of time this season. However, heroics from a charged-up group of players have seen them turn the tide in their favour with seven wins out of 9 games at a stretch. Having almost evaded the relegation zone this season, Eagles coach Sam Allardyce is now looking to add some more efficient players to this line-up for the next season.
One of the players who have been on the radar of Crystal Palace is the defensive mainstay for Sunderland Lamine Kone. Kone has not been in very good form in a far from a perfect season for Sunderland and might be an excellent inclusion to the Eagles line-up for the forthcoming season.
Current Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce was the man in charge at the Stadium of Light when the Ivory Coast international was signed in 2016. It was due to the benevolent guidance of the ex-England manager that helped Kone become a defensive rock in the Sunderland defence. However, after the departure of Allardyce from the Stadium of Light, the Ivory Coast international found it difficult to cope with the way things have developed at Sunderland.
If the deal goes through, then the reunion might help the Sunderland defender to revive his career in top-flight football. Sam Allardyce has been full of praise for the 28-year-old player during his time at Sunderland, and reportedly, his views for the Ivory Coast international has not changed much over the years.
Lamine Kone is an ideal defender that a team can expect for. Apart from being solid as a rock in the defence, Kone has the ability to win most of the aerial duels he is involved in. He is also good at dribbling through the opposition defence and at threading key passes for his teammates in the opposition half and also chips in with crucial goals from set piece situations from corners and free kicks. His ability to hold onto the ball for a significant amount of time and excellent ball control makes him a highly rated defender in the Premier League.
Reportedly, Crystal Palace might face tough competition from West Ham United for securing the services of the Ivory Coast international. Slaven Bilic’s side has been going through doldrums in the defensive front for a significant amount of time in the current season and will look to bring someone with the stature of Kone to hold their defence together against opposition attacks.
