Lamine Kone will join Strasbourg permanently this summer after a deal was agreed with Sunderland, according to reports in France.
Daily newspaper L'Alsace claim that a €1.5million deal has been reached between the two clubs and Kone will sign a two-year deal to remain with the Ligue 1 club where he has impressed this term.
Kone helped his side lift the Coupe de la Ligue which means that they will play in the Europa League next season.
Earlier reports had suggested that Strasbourg would not exercise their option to sign the Ivory Coast international because they could not afford his wages.
But the latest reports seem to suggest that there's either been a change in heart, or some kind of alternative deal agreed with the Black Cats. And Stewart Donald confirmed on the Roker Rapport podcast that he believed a deal had been reached and Kone wouldn't be returning to the club.
Either way, if the reports from the continent are true then it will be a huge boost and a good start to the summer for the Wearsiders.
Kone was ostracised from the first team by Jack Ross last summer after he made clear he had no desire to continue playing for the club. A loan exit to Strasbourg was the best Sunderland could muster to ensure he wasn't still around at the Academy of Light.
But if they can sort this deal out early this summer then it will be a boost that will allow them to fully focus their attentions on other transfer business, such as trying to find a new club for Bryan Oviedo, and, of course, any incoming deals.
