Juventus ‘could offer’ youngster in bid for Sunderland and Nottingham Forest target Jhon Lucumi | OneFootball

Sunderland are close to their first summer signing after Belgium defender Thomas Meunier arrived on Wearside for a medical, while any renewed move for Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi could face Juventus competition.

TuttoMercatoWeb reports that Juventus remain interested in the Colombia international and could propose a promising youngster in part-exchange to reduce the fee.

Lucumi, 28, emerged on Sunderland’s shortlist a year ago as Regis Le Bris’ side prepared for a Premier League return, before they turned to Getafe defender Omar Alderete in a successful deal.

Speculation has persisted that Lucumi remains under consideration, with a potential approach possible as he enters the final 12 months of his contract. He is now due back at Bologna to prepare for the new Serie A season.

The former Genk centre-back made 43 appearances in all competitions last season, and played in all five of Colombia’s World Cup matches, reaching the round of 16 before losing on penalties to Granit Xhaka’s Switzerland. Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth have also been linked with the defender.

Source: Sunderland Echo