Report: Forgotten man Lamine Kone set for Sunderland return with Strasbourg priced out of permanent deal

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Strasbourg cannot afford to sign Sunderland defender Lamine Kone on a permanent deal, according to Ivorian media outlet Sport Mania.

Kone is set to return to Sunderland when his loan spell at Strasbourg ends. The French club had an option to buy Kone but cannot afford his wages.

Sunderland have clearly been part-funding Kone’s loan in Ligue 1. And despite Strasbourg wanting to keep the powerful centre-half, he will not be staying with them.

The 9-cap Ivory Coast international has 28 games for Strasbourg this season, including 24 in the league. Strasbourg sit 10th in the French top-flight with three games left.

But Kone will now return to Sunderland, who are hoping to win promotion from League One. The Black Cats are currently preparing for the play-offs.

Kone joined Sunderland in January 2016. Back then, Sunderland were a Premier League team but he faces the prospect of third-tier football next season.

The 30-year-old’s future is uncertain. Whether Jack Ross decides to sell him, loan him out again or keep him remains to be seen.

Kone’s contract at The Stadium of Light lasts until 2021 but he is likely to have suitors in France. But his wage demands could be a stumbling block preventing his permanent Sunderland exit.