Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has revealed he got a kick out of making Lamine Kone’s dream come true when the defender eventually signed for the Black Cats.
The former West Ham United boss believes his new man can make a big difference and help lift the side out of the bottom three.
Allardyce described his new signing as a ‘big lad’ and a player that has been through ‘a very, very difficult period’.
Kone was in the North East in January to complete his move from FC Lorient albeit when no agreement was made, Sunderland walked away from the deal and signed Jan Kirchhoff.
Happily ever after
Despite the lengths they went to in getting Kone’s signature, Allardyce revealed it has been a ‘dream’ for Kone to play in the Premier League.
The 61-year-old was happy to make Kone’s dream come true and that he has a ‘good feeling’ the centre-back can make a name for himself on Wearside.
Coates heads to Portugal
Sebastian Coates was the latest name to depart the Stadium of Light as Allardyce continued to overhaul the Sunderland squad in a bid to climb out of the bottom three.
Sporting Lisbon secured the services of Coates on loan until the end of the season with a deal to make it permanent in the summer.
Transfer roundup
Allardyce made no secret in how hard it has been to lure players into a relegation battle. The latter said ‘There’s financial implications’ as well as ‘Do I want to join a relegation battle’.
Kirchhoff, Kone and Dame N’Doye are players Allardyce hopes can make a ‘difference’. Wahbi Khazri is also another player Allardyce will be hoping can make a difference after the club agreed a fee with Bordeaux.
Sunderland also remain interested in Arsenal right-back Mathieu Debuchy however Allardyce has denied having any interest in Leeds United centre-back Sol Bamba.