Crystal Palace and West Ham to battle it out for Premier League defender Lamine Kone

Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce is reportedly looking to sign Sunderland defender Lamine Kone.

Then-Black Cats manager Allardyce brought Kone, 28, to Wearside last season – and the centre-back impressed - helping the club avoid relegation.

But Sunderland could not beat the drop this term, and Kone is set to lead a Black Cats exodus from David Moyes’ side in the summer.

MORE: Crystal Palace join race to sign Chelsea and Leeds target

And FootMercato says Palace will try to beat Premier League rivals West Ham to Kone’s signature with an initial £10m bid.

Both back-lines need to tighten up and the Ivory Coast international could be the answer.