Bologna ‘to line up’ replacement as Sunderland circle Jhon Lucumi | OneFootball

Sunderland’s pursuit of Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi has fresh encouragement, with the Serie A club reported to be identifying replacements. Corriere dello Sport reports that Bologna are working on options ahead of a possible summer departure.

The Black Cats were strongly linked last summer after promotion to the Premier League, with suggestions an official bid was lodged. Bologna rejected it, unable to source a replacement for the 27-year-old and saying the conditions were not right.

“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. It's obvious that such a large-scale management, built to be competitive, cannot help but be financed by some sales,” Claudio Fenucci 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 report adds that sporting director Giovanni Sartori is monitoring Fluminense’s Juan Pablo Freytes and Union Saint-Gilloise defender Fedde Leysen as potential recruits.

Sunderland are the only club named as a possible suitor. Lucumi is said to be frustrated by last summer’s failed move and keen on a dream switch to the Premier League, and the report contends that World Cup exposure in North America will inevitably lead to a move from the Renato Dall'Ara.

Source: Sunderland Echo