Sunderland and Forest ‘to face’ Al-Hilal competition for Serie A target, Balogun latest | OneFootball

Sunderland and Nottingham Forest could face Al-Hilal competition for Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi if they step up their interest. Il Resto del Carlino reports that Inter and Juventus are also keen as the Colombia international enters the final 12 months of his contract.

The outlet adds Juventus tried to include youngster Vasilije Adzic to reduce the fee, but Bologna have not lowered their demands. It also says Lucumi will prioritise talks to remain in Italy.

Sunderland have made only one signing so far, Belgium international Thomas Meunier on a two-year deal after leaving Lille. They head into a first ever Europa League campaign under Regis Le Bris.

After Saturday’s win at York, Le Bris said this window feels different, with around six or seven additions targeted rather than last summer’s 14. He urged patience in a slow market and said recruitment must be precise.

Monaco striker Folarin Balogun hit headlines at the World Cup when US president Donald Trump appeared to intervene in overturning his red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina. With the USA out after a last-16 loss to Belgium, his club future is back in focus.

He has been linked with Juventus, while El Mundo Deportivo claims Sunderland and Borussia Dortmund are also “very interesting options”. The 25-year-old has two years left on his Monaco deal and is valued at over £50m.

Source: Sunderland Echo