Although Sunderland has had additional talks regarding Jhon Lucumi, they have not yet reached Bologna’s valuation of the center-half.
Strengthening the defense is the current focus of the Black Cats’ ongoing squad overhaul, which earned them promotion to the Premier League the previous season.
The only defender to join Sunderland this summer is left-back Reinildo Mandava, although it is acknowledged that Sunderland is still lacking at center-half after Chris Mepham left at the end of his loan agreement last season.
Although the team has given some choices some thought this summer, Lucumi, 27, has always been their top aim.
For some weeks, there has been a continuous conversation with Bologna officials, and in recent days, more formal discussions are reportedly held.
Though the talks are thought to have been fruitful, a fee agreement has not yet been reached. Lucumi, a Colombian international who joined Bologna from Belgian club Genk in the summer of 2022, is reportedly open to a deal worth about €20 million from Sunderland.
Lucumi has made 109 professional games for the Serie A team, and according to the Italian media, Bologna is already looking into possible successors. More discussions are scheduled.
Bologna reportedly sent a senior scouting delegation to Belgium this week to watch Union Saint-Gilloise’s Fedde Leysen at first hand.
Lucumi has declined Bologna’s offer of a contract extension and is eager to relocate to England so he can try his hand at playing in the Premier League.
Although Bournemouth has reportedly expressed interest in hiring him, Sunderland is reportedly the only English team actively negotiating with Bologna authorities at the moment.
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