Premier League: Sunderland sign defender Lamine Kone

Relegation-threatened Sunderland have completed the signing of Ivory Coast defender Lamine Kone from French side Lorient. The two clubs have not disclosed the transfer fee. Kone was born in France, he is 26 years old, and has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Black Cats. "He is big and strong, attributes you need to play in central defence in the Premier League," manager Sam Allardyce said. Kone is the fourth signing of the transfer window for Sunderland, after goalkeeper Steve Harper, forward Dame N'Doye and defender Jan Kirchhoff. Allardyce added: "Strengthening our defensive options was a priority for us and Lamine is a player that has impressed me when I've seen him play. His arrival will give us healthy competition for places in a key position." Sunderland are currently 19th in the league, four points away from safety. Sunderland are 2/9 at Bet365 to get relegated this season.