Bologna ‘to identify’ replacements for Sunderland target Jhon Lucumi | OneFootball

Sunderland have received a potential boost in their pursuit of Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi, with indications the Serie A club are preparing for his possible departure this summer.

Corriere dello Sport reports that Bologna are already identifying replacements and accept that a parting of ways is likely, with sporting director Giovanni Sartori monitoring Fluminense’s Juan Pablo Freytes and Union Saint-Gilloise’s Fedde Leysen. The report names Sunderland as the only suitor at this stage.

The Black Cats were said to have stepped up interest ahead of their Premier League return, and there were suggestions an official bid was lodged during an overwhelmingly successful summer window. Bologna rejected that approach as they could not source a replacement, saying the conditions were not right at the time.

“I've always said we'd prefer to keep everyone, even though we know that in reality, certain offers can be tough, especially if the Premier League comes knocking.” He told Il Resto del Carlino.

“Jhon has already spent three years with us, which is a long time in today's football. He had the ambition to leave, but unfortunately, the timeframe for the offer didn't materialise.”

The Colombian, 27, is said to be annoyed by last summer’s failure and keen on a “dream” move to the Premier League, while the report adds his World Cup involvement in North America will bring “so much attention” that will “inevitably” lead to an exit from Renato Dall’Ara.

Source: Sunderland Echo