Mamadou Sakho Sunderland Loan Deal Could Strengthen Everton

Earlier, reports emerged claiming that after rejecting the advances of Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion, Mamadou Sakho was set for a potential deadline day loan move to Sunderland. Now, it has emerged that that move, should it happen, would result in Liverpool’s local rivals Everton strengthening their own defence.

That’s because Everton are desperate to sign Sunderland centre half Lamine Kone, but the Black Cats have made it clear they will only consider selling if they have secured a replacement for him. That replacement could be Sakho—who was rumoured to have been offered to them last week only for Sunderland to reject the idea.

If Sunderland have changed their mind and are now interested, it is likely to reflect a growing acceptance that Kone is likely to depart. It also means that a Sakho move to Sunderland on loan for the year would improve Everton, who are targeting the top six and the Europa League places under new boos Ronald Koeman.

That is something should give Liverpool pause. Even if it doesn’t, though, it’s difficult to imagine Sakho accepting a Sunderland move after rejecting Stoke City, who like Everton are targeting the top six and would appear to be a far more desirable destination under Mark Hughes than Sunderland under David Moyes.

Whatever happens next, then, it’s set to be an interesting 24 hours or so as we near the close of the summer transfer window.