Sunderland handed boost as Bologna ‘seek’ replacement for Jhon Lucumi | OneFootball

Sunderland have been handed encouragement in their pursuit of Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi, with indications the Serie A club are assessing replacements for the Colombia international.

Corriere dello Sport claims Bologna are already identifying centre-back options, which could reopen the door after the Black Cats missed out last summer.

Sunderland had stepped up interest before their Premier League return and were said to have lodged an official bid. Bologna turned it down, unable to source a successor for the 27-year-old, and said the conditions were not right to replace him at the time.

The report adds sporting director Giovanni Sartori is tracking Fluminense defender Juan Pablo Freytes and Union Saint-Gilloise’s Fedde Leysen as potential additions.

It also names Sunderland as the only suitor for Lucumi, who is said to be frustrated by last summer’s collapse and eager to realise a Premier League move.

With Colombia due at the World Cup finals in North America, the report suggests the tournament could draw significant attention that may lead to his exit from the Renato Dall'Ara.

Source: Sunderland Echo