SIMON GRAYSON is confident Lamine Kone will be fully committed to Sunderland if he is forced to remain on Wearside beyond the end of the transfer window.

Kone has been one of the Black Cats’ most impressive performers in their opening two Championship matches of the campaign, but the Ivory Coast international continues to be heavily linked with a move away from the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland rejected an £18m offer from Everton for the centre-half last summer, and given the club’s financial position, they will struggle to turn down a similar bid if it arrives in the next couple of weeks.

As things stand though, the Black Cats have not received a single formal offer for Kone this summer, and while that might disappoint the defender, Grayson is confident he will remain a valuable asset if the situation does not change between now and September 1.

Grayson said: “I think he’s up for the fight. By the sounds of it and the way he has played, he has looked very comfortable and shown his true quality.

“That’s the same of Didier (Ndong) and all the rest of the lads as well. Ultimately it’s about what they’re doing while they’re contracted for us.

“While people are still here, if they’re thinking about options to leave, play well and make that happen. But if you play well and results are good, maybe you’ll want to stay.”

As well as Kone and Ndong, Wahbi Khazri and Lee Cattermole have also been linked with possible departures before the transfer window closes, and Grayson admits he is having to plan for a range of different eventualities.

He said: “While the window is still open, every club will be vulnerable to deals but also looking to do deals. We’re in the process of talking to clubs and that will be the case right up to the last minute.

“Martin Bain is dealing with the off the field stuff, and I’m concentrating on the games, but I’ve got plans of x,y and z being here or not being here. You have to be one step ahead and aware of any eventuality.

“If we don’t lose any players, I’ll be more than happy, but you have to plans in place in case something happens. While the window is still open, every club is vulnerable to players leaving.”

Sunderland return to action against Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday, and Grayson is keen to build on yesterday’s impressive 3-1 win at Norwich.

He said: “It was always going to be tough (at Norwich), but the players executed the game plan and it worked a treat. They had 70 per cent possession but ultimately the result is the only thing that matters.

“It’s good for the supporters to see players caring about what they’re doing again.  We’ve had to work very hard because of what we’re trying to implement to the squad. It won’t happen overnight but every positive step will be a big bonus. I’m pleased with how receptive the players have been. It’s worked so far, but there’s still a lot to do on and off the pitch.”