West Brom reportedly interested in Lamine Kone

Head coach Tony Pulis has been a long-term admirer of the 28-year-old centre-back, who is eager to leave the Black Cats this summer and return to the Premier League.

And according to Sky Sports, the Baggies are looking into the possibility of bringing the Frenchman, who is expected to cost in the region of £9million, to The Hawthorns.

Kone was one of two players who refused to play for David Moyes on the final day of last season, according to former Sunderland left-back Michael Gray, and it's believed his time at the Stadium of Light is coming to an end.

Albion only have four senior defenders at the club and are looking for a centre-back this summer after releasing Jonas Olsson in March.

Pulis has previously expressed an interest in John Terry, but Bournemouth are reportedly closing in on the former England captain with offers of a £100,000-a-week contract. The Baggies have also been linked with Middlesbrough's Ben Gibson.

In April 2016, Kone was involved in a social media spat with Albion's James McClean after their goalless draw in Sunderland.