West Ham United to trigger release clause for Sunderland defender Lamine Kone

West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has reportedly identified Sunderland defender Lamine Kone as a potential target in January.

Kone has been with the Black Cats for less than a year but he has already been given a fresh long-term deal at the club after strong interest from Everton during the summer.

However, according to The Sun, his contract contains a release clause of £18m, which West Ham could be ready to meet when the transfer window reopens in less than three weeks' time.

The Hammers have already shipped 31 goals from 15 games this season, which currently stands as the second worst in the top flight, and Bilic is expected to strengthen his backline next month.

The East London outfit only sit two points above the Black Cats in the Premier League table after registering just three wins.