The Ivory Coast defender has impressed in France this season and his performances have alerted a number of Premier League clubs who are interested in bolstering their defences in the new year.
Kone would not break the bank either as Lorient could be willing to cash in for £5million, and an orderly queue is starting to form for his services.
Reports in France claimed Sunderland were leading the race, but a deal has yet to be hammered out, and that could leave the door open for Swansea and Newcastle to swoop in.
Norwich are also keen after sending scouts to watch him against Lille last week, with Canaries boss Alex Neil known to be on the look out for a new central defender.