Sometimes it only takes one transfer to spark a flurry.
John Stones’ £47.5m move from Everton to Manchester City has suddenly got things moving.
No sooner had the Toffees conceded defeat in the Stones transfer saga – after 14 months holding on, and holding out – had they agreed a fee for Swansea’s Ashley Williams. The Swans will now have £12.5m to help in their search for a replacement, or two, for the Welsh defender.
Everton are not finished yet, however, and are reportedly close to bringing in Sunderland’s £18m-rated centre-half Lamine Kone. It must be noted that Sunderland are the ones pushing out that £18m valuation for the Ivory Coast international.
Shane Duffy comes into the equation as he has been linked, by the Sunderland-based Chronicle, as one of two candidates to replace Kone.
Sunderland boss David Moyes is expected to tie up deals for Manchester United defenders Paddy McNair (centre back) and Donald Love (right back) but should have plenty of cash left over for Duffy.
The Ireland international scored a header in Blackburn’s 3-1 League Cup win over Mansfield, last night, and manager Owen Coyle has been fulsome in his praise.
Celtic had been heavily linked with a move for Duffy but a switch to Sunderland may suit his international ambitions better.
This morning’s report says Moyes would like Anderlecht centre-half Kara Mbodji but the 26-year-old is also a Chelsea target and may be out of Sunderland’s reach.
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