According to reports in The Mirror, West Ham United are ready to reignite their interest in Sunderland centre-back Lamine Kone this summer.

The Irons tried to sign the Ivory Coast international last summer after he helped the Black Cats to survival, and again during the January transfer window when they were looking for defensive reinforcements.

However, the 28-year-old signed a five-year deal at the Stadium of Light last year to help the Mackems in their fight against relegation this term, but it looks to be a battle that will end with them going down.

David Moyes’ men are 10 points from safety with seven matches of the campaign remaining and they are showing few signs of pulling off an escape as they have done in recent years.

Kone will be allowed to leave the Wearside outfit if they do find themselves in the Championship next term, and Slaven Bilic still holds an interest in him.

Here are three reasons West Ham should sign Kone this summer…

They need a dominant centre-back

While January transfer window signing Jose Fonte put in an improved performance in the 1-0 win against Swansea City last weekend, he has looked far from comfortable since making the move to the London Stadium.

James Collins also impressed against the Swans but whether he should be a starter next season remains to be seen, leaving Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna as the other two options at the heart of the defence.

Kone could bring some dominance to the Irons defence, and it is needed after they have conceded 52 goals in 31 Premier League games this term.

His qualities

As well as his strength in the air – shown by the fact that he was won 60 aerial duels in 25 Premier League appearances this term – Kone has plenty of other defensive qualities.

He has also made 181 clearances and 44 interceptions and while he has come under criticism for some of his performances this season, he is perhaps suffering from a lack of confidence with the team losing most weeks and little protection in front of him.

The Ivory Coast international showed last season just how influential he can be, and maybe he just needs a new start to showcase that again.

Experience

Kone has been in the Premier League for well over a year now and knows what the top flight is all about, and what he needs to do to be effective against the best players in the division.

He initially took to the move to England like a duck to water and while he perhaps hasn’t grown as a player as much as he would have liked this season, there have been more than enough glimpses that he has the presence to be a great defender in this league – as long as he is in the right environment.

Do you agree, Irons fans? Let us know below.