Crystal Palace have made approaches for Sunderland pair Patrick van Aanholt and Lamine Kone, HITC Sport understands.
Sam Allardyce took over Sunderland a year ago when things again were looking bleak for the Black Cats and successfully guided them to Premier League survival, so he knows what the bulk of the squad can offer.
One of the players he brought in was centre-back Lamine Kone from Lorient and he was an instant hit, providing excellent cover in defence and came up with the odd goal here and there.
Sunderland turned down bids in the region of £18m from Everton to keep hold of Kone in the summer and tied him down to a new long-term contract, but Allardyce believes he can persuade him to make the move to South London.
As for Van Aanholt, we’re all aware of Palace’s need to bring in another left-back with Pape Souare out injured for possibly the rest of the season. The Dutchman is one of the most attack-minded fullbacks in the Premier League and has enjoyed some great years in the North East.
Sunderland do not want to lose their star players whilst embroiled in a relegation battle but Chairman Ellis Short says the club need to sell to buy this month so one or two key names could be on the way out.
