Sunderland manager David Moyes has ruled out the possibility of selling Lamine Kone this summer.
The centre-back has been heavily linked with a switch to Everton, while the player himself recently requested to leave the club having not been offered a new contract.
However, Moyes promised that a new contract would be on the table after the transfer window has ended and insists that the 27-year-old is a big part of his plans.
"We've told Lamine Kone he will be offered a new contract in September," he told reporters.
"Lamine is very much part of my plans. We will renew his contract on September 1. Lamine is a big part of the team, the fans like him and we need him."
Sunderland will begin the new Premier League campaign away to Manchester City on Saturday.
