Everton target Lamine Kone has handed in a transfer request at Sunderland.
The Ivory Coast defender continues to attract attention from the Blues, who are closing in on an £18 million deal for the player.
Last night Kone announced his desire to leave the Stadium of Light, citing the lack of movement on a proposed new contract with the Black Cats as a driving force.
He wrote: “After a week in which there has been a vast amount of speculation with regard my future at Sunderland Football Club, I think that it is only fair to the fans of the club to clarify the situation.
“At the end of last season, I was told by the club that I would be offered a new contract.
“Following numerous phone conversations and face to face meetings, the latest of which took place today with [manager] David Moyes and [chief executive] Martin Bain, no contract has been forthcoming.
“It is therefore with much regret that I can only assume that I do not figure in David Moyes’ future plans.
“With that being the case it is with much sadness that I now ask the manager and chief executive to be allowed to leave Sunderland Football Club.
“However until that time I give my word that I will give my upmost in training and on the field.”
Everton manager Ronald Koeman has set his sights on recruiting ‘three or four more players’ following this week’s capture to Wales captain Ashley Williams from Swansea.