Everton transfer news: Toffees in talks with Valencia defender Aymen Abdennour as Lamine Kone alternative

1 Aymen Abdennour has played 29 times for Valencia

Everton are in talks with Valencia over a deal for centre-back Aymen Abdennour.

The Toffees are on the hunt for defensive reinforcements after selling John Stones to Manchester City in a move which could eventually cost £50m.

Sunderland star Lamine Kone is reportedly on new manager Ronald Koeman’s shortlist – but the Black Cats are playing hardball.

And, according to Plaza Deportiva, Everton are now instead deep in talks with Valencia over a deal for Abdennour.

The Premier League side reportedly opened negotiations on Wednesday and they are hopeful an agreement can be reached.

Valencia are happy to sanction a deal – but only if they can recoup the £19m they paid for the 27-year-old last summer to sign him from Monaco.