David Moyes insists that Sunderland will honour a promise made to defender Lamine Kone by former manager Sam Allardyce, as the Black Cats look to rekindle contract talks.
Kone has been unhappy at Sunderland not giving him an improved contract as promised and pushed to leave the club during the summer transfer window, as Everton slapped in a bid for his services.
Sunderland did put an offer Kone's way, but he did not want to consider it as he set his heart on a move. But Moyes stood firm and made sure that the former Lorient man was still at the Stadium of Light when the window slammed shut on Wednesday evening.
Now Moyes is looking to make good on a promise Allardyce made regarding a new contract for Kone, who impressed with Sunderland last season as they avoided relegation from the Premier League.
Moyes was quoted as saying by beIN Sports: "It's been a difficult period for us all.
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"I understand Lamine’s position, but I also understand that we as a club had to set our position.
"We're looking to get things resolved and I will be delighted if Lamine signs a new contract and hopefully there will be news on that soon.
"We always said that if there was a promise of a new contract made [by former manager Allardyce], we would stick by our word. We will do that", Moyes added.
Kone will face the club that were seeking to buy him after the international break when Sunderland lock horns with Everton on 12th September.
Moyes will also be facing his former club in the shape of the Toffees, as will striker Victor Anichebe, whom the Black Cats signed as a free agent on Friday.
