Bologna ‘to seek’ replacement as Sunderland eye Jhon Lucumi | OneFootball

Sunderland have fresh encouragement in their pursuit of Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi, with the Serie A club understood to be working on possible replacements, Corriere dello Sport reports.

The Black Cats were said to have stepped up their interest ahead of a Premier League return, amid suggestions an official bid went in during an overwhelmingly successful summer window. Bologna are said to have rejected it as they could not source a replacement for the 27-year-old and felt the conditions were not right at the time.

“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.” He said this in an interview with 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 added Bologna are scouring options in defence and that there is acceptance a parting of ways is likely this summer. Sporting director Giovanni Sartori is monitoring Fluminense star Juan Pablo Freytes and Union Saint-Gilloise’s Fedde Leysen.

Sunderland were the only club named as a suitor, with Lucumi said to be frustrated by last summer’s failed move and keen on a dream switch to the Premier League. With Colombia heading to the World Cup in North America, the report suggested the attention on him would inevitably prompt an exit from the Renato Dall'Ara.

Source: Sunderland Echo