Report: Sunderland's Lamine Kone in talks with Everton
To see a list of completed deals in the summer window thus far, visit theScore's Premier League transfer tracker.
Sunderland defender Lamine Kone is in negotiations with Everton over a move to Merseyside, according to Sky Sports.
Reports surfaced last week that the Toffees had tabled an £18-million bid for the Ivory Coast international, and now it appears a transfer could be nearing fruition.
It would mark a quick profit for Sunderland, given it only parted with £6 million for the former Lorient defender in January.
Everton's pursuit of defenders is well documented. John Stones finally made his widely anticipated move to Manchester City on Tuesday to the tune of £47.5 million, and concerns lie in the fitness of Phil Jagielka, 33, and consistency of Ramiro Funes Mori.
Related: Manchester City bags Stones for reported £47.5M
Ashley Williams' switch to the Toffees looks increasingly likely after a £12-million bid was apparently accepted for the Swansea City and Wales captain. The 31-year-old centre-back has been pivotal in first vaulting the Swans through two promotions and into the top flight, and then establishing them as a Premier League outfit.
New Everton manager Ronald Koeman has brought in Maarten Stekelenburg, Idrissa Gueye, Bassala Sambou and Chris Renshaw this summer - a fairly modest return considering the significant investment expected under majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri.
The Toffees begin their campaign Saturday with a visit from Tottenham Hotspur.