Merseyside duo are said to be keen on Latics forward.
Everton and Liverpool have both been dealt a huge blow in their efforts to sign Wigan Athletic front man Arouna Kone after the Ivorian committed his future to the Championship outfit, reports the Metro.
The Ivory Coast international has been the subject of intense speculation of late linking the 29-year-old with a move to either Goodison Park or Anfield when the summer transfer window finally reopens once again for business on July 1.
The striker enjoyed an excellent debut campaign at the DW stadium in the previous season, having joined the Latics from Liga outfit Levante for just 3.5 million euros on a three-year contract in Aug 2012.
Kone netted 13 goals in his 38 appearances in all competitions for the struggling Premier League club, including 11 strikes in his 34 top-flight contests, although his goals were still not enough to keep Wigan from being relegated to the Championship.
And now the player has insisted that he is happy at Wigan: “I have a contract until 2015 with Wigan and I settled very well there. It is a brilliant community football club. The chairman is fantastic.
“Yes, I want to be playing in the Premier League but it also depends on Wigan because I have a contract with them.
“Everton? Just because the gaffer is in charge makes the link stronger but, to be honest, I don’t know what will happen. After the international games I will know more.”
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