Lorient vice-president Alex Hayes has revealed that he has accepted an offer from Sunderland for defender Lamine Kone.

The Black Cats have struggled defensively so far this season, conceding a league-worst 37 goals in their 18 outings before Wednesday night's match against Liverpool.

Manager Sam Allardyce has moved to strengthen his defensive options as a result, and Kone looks set to be his first signing in charge of the club after the two teams agreed a fee.

"We have received an offer that we have accepted," Hayes told www.ouest-france.fr.

"It is now up to Lamine to find an agreement with Sunderland and to pass the medical before the transfer can be made official."

Allardyce is understood to have been interested in bringing Kone to English football since his time in charge at West Ham United.