Wigan striker Arouna Kone has revealed that he would prefer a move to the Premier League this summer, having seen his present side relegated to the Championship. The Ivory Coast striker is being courted by Liverpool and Everton and the 29-year-old has encouraged interest by stating that he is looking to play for one of the best clubs in England.

Arouna Kone
Reuters

"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," he told the Sun.

Crystal Palace, who qualified for the Premier League through the play-offs, are also believed to be interested and the FA Cup winning striker insists that he will be willing to leave if a decent bid comes in.

"I've had plenty of approaches. 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," he added.

Kone's statement is likely to rekindle Liverpool's interest who have stumbled across a roadblock in their chase for Celta Vigo striker Iago Aspas. The Reds had agreed a deal in principle for the Spaniard, but intervention from Spanish officials has all but scuppered the move, with Aspas having to pay close to £4m from his own pocket to secure a transfer, according to the Mirror.

The Ivorian would be a good acquisition for Brendan Rodgers should he decide to make a move, with the player scoring 11 goals and assisting five in 32 starts in the league last season. He was also a major factor in Wigan winning the FA Cup, scoring two goals and assisting two in four starts.

Liverpool have already shown their intent in the transfer market by completing a deal for Luis Alberto from Sevilla and have also confirmed their interest in Sunderland stopper Simon Mignolet.