Sunderland look to have found replacements for the seemingly departing Lamine Kone, having agreed a deal for Manchester United duo, Paddy McNair and Donald Love.

Not leaving without replacements

The sale of John Stones to Manchester City has started a transfer merry go round in the English top-flight.

Everton looked to be spending their money on Ashley Williams, and Sunderland defender Kone also seems set to be head for Goodison Park.

The Ivorian is expected to cost around £18million, but it is reported that the Black Cats will not let Kone leave Wearside until replacements are in place.

It seems McNair and Love are those players. The 21-year-olds believed part of a £5.5million deal, with David Moyes having already bought in Chelsea defender Papy Djilobodji for £8million.

McNair made 27 appearances for the Red Devils, with Love making his debut under Louis van Gaal against the Black Cats, but both are believed to be surplus to requirements under new manager Jose Mourinho.

David Moyes on the bench at new club Sunderland | Photo: Sunderland AFC via Getty Images
Above: David Moyes on the bench at new club Sunderland | Photo: Sunderland AFC via Getty Images

Banking on top players

​Kone proved to be an inspired signing from Sam Allardyce, with the defender been one of the main factors in their survival last season.

Many fans will be upset if Kone did leave for Merseyside, but Moyes admitted that he wouldn't rule out selling the club's top players.

He told the Sunderland Echo: "I’m always going to keep the best players, but I’m also going to move the club along." The Scot said, "At different times things have to change." 

He continued: “I would never say that it won’t happen. But I want to keep the best players and build a team."

Moyes concluded: “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.”

Sunderland will take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, August 13 with kick-off at 5pm BST.

VAVEL Logo
About the author
Danial  Kennedy
Award-winning sports journalism graduate. Currently studying a PR Masters at the University of Sunderland. Writing for VAVEL since August 2014. Twitter - @ddkjournalism.