Sunderland bid £3m for Barnsley defender Alfie Mawson as David Moyes sweats over Lamine Kone

Sunderland have made a £3million bid for Barnsley defender Alfie Mawson.

Manager David Moyes has turned to the 22-year-old after Brighton refused to sell highly-rated centre back Lewis Dunk.

Moyes wants to sign a defender after Lamine Kone refused the club's offer of a new contract and turned up to training complaining of a bad back, ruling himself out of Sunday's derby with Middlesbrough.

Alfie Mawson is a transfer target for David Moyes and Sunderland, who have bid £3million

Mawson (centre) rises highest to score against Huddersfield on Saturday afternoon

Moyes is understood to have told Kone to stay away from the club until the situation is resolved, while Everton have made an £18m offer for the player.

Sunderland started the season with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City, and will be hopeful of getting their first win against newly-promoted Boro on Sunday.

Aitor Karanka's side travel to the Stadium of Light having drawn their opening match with Stoke City. 

Lamine Kone has turned down a new contract at Sunderland as he targets a move to Everton