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

Juventus are being linked with a move for Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi, a defender on Sunderland’s radar.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the Serie A giants remain keen on the 28-year-old and could try to include a promising youngster in part-exchange to bring the price down.

Sunderland, meanwhile, are closing in on their first summer signing after Belgium international Thomas Meunier arrived on Wearside for a medical as they seek to strengthen their defence.

The Black Cats first explored Lucumi 12 months ago as Regis Le Bris’ side prepared for a Premier League return, before switching focus to what became a successful move for Getafe’s Omar Alderete. Speculation over renewed interest has persisted as Lucumi enters the final 12 months of his Bologna contract.

Lucumi made 43 appearances in all competitions for Bologna last season. He also featured in all five of Colombia’s World Cup finals matches, helping them reach the round-of-16 before a penalty shoot-out loss to Granit Xhaka’s Switzerland.

He will now return to Bologna to prepare for the new Serie A season. Bournemouth have also been linked with the Colombia international.

Source: Sunderland Echo