Sunderland ‘close to agreement’ for Kondogbia as Lucumi ‘ready for a new challenge’ | OneFootball

Sunderland are close to agreeing a deal to sign Marseille midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, according to MediaFoot in France.

The Black Cats are planning a pivotal summer after their Europa League qualification and aim to strengthen Regis Le Bris’ squad. The head coach has said it will be important to add two, three or four players and to reinforce a core of around 16 for the first team.

Marseille are said to be open to Kondogbia’s exit as they look to move on high earners. The 33-year-old is considered a strong fit for Le Bris as Sunderland prepare for European competition starting in August.

Sunderland tried to sign Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi last summer, but he stayed in Serie A and now enters the final year of his deal. He has been linked with the Stadium of Light throughout the season, amid talk his time at Bologna could be nearing an end after they missed out on Europe.

“I believe the boy is now ready for a new challenge, so we will carefully analyse the market and see if the conditions are right for everyone this summer,” his agent Simone Rondanini told Tuttomercatoweb.

Source: Sunderland Echo