Kone opens door to Kop

AROUNA KONE has opened the door to a move to Liverpool or Everton by declaring he wants to quit Wigan.

The Ivory Coast striker scored 13 goals after his £3.5million move from Spanish club Levante last summer and helped the Latics win the FA Cup.

But Kone could not keep Roberto Martinez’s side up - and has no intention of playing in the Championship.

He said: “You always have ambitions as a footballer, and I don’t intend to play in the English second division.

“Wigan have gone down, which is a real shame. It’s up to them to set out their stance about my situation. I aim to play for one of the best clubs in England, and I hope I will get the chance.”

Liverpool, Everton - managed by Martinez - and Crystal Palace lead the race for the 29-year-old, now rated at £10m.

“I’ve had plenty of approaches,” added Kone. “I can’t reveal the names of the clubs.

“But Crystal Palace have gone up, and from the moment a club is in the Premier League that is good for me.

“I’m under contract with Wigan for two more years. But if there is an offer that is good for both me and Wigan I will seek to leave.”