Lamine Kone was forced to stay away from Sunderland’s defeat to Middlesbrough by David Moyes amid Everton’s ongoing interest.
The Blues have continued to monitor the Ivory Coast defender’s future following his decision to submit a transfer request to the Black Cats.
And despite missing out on the North East derby, which Boro won 2-1, with a back injury, Moyes banished him from attending the game at the Stadium of Light.
Kone claimed that Sunderland reneging on a promise to offer him an improved contract was at the heart of his decision to leave the club.
Moyes insisted that no offer would be tabled to the 27-year-old until September 1, the day after the summer transfer window is set to close.
Sunderland subsequently offered the player a new contract but it was rejected by the player as he looks to force through a move to Goodison Park.