Sunderland handed boost as Bologna ‘to identify’ Jhon Lucumi replacement | OneFootball

Sunderland have fresh encouragement over Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi, with new reporting in Italy suggesting a summer opening for a deal.

Corriere dello Sport reports that Bologna are working to identify potential successors and that there is acceptance within the club a parting of ways is likely this summer.

The Black Cats were linked ahead of their Premier League return amid suggestions an official bid was lodged during a successful window. Bologna rejected the move, saying they could not source a replacement and that 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 told Il Resto del Carlino. “The conditions aren't right for him to be replaced right now, so Jhon will stay with us.”

The report adds that sporting director Giovanni Sartori is tracking Fluminense’s Juan Pablo Freytes and Union Saint-Gilloise’s Fedde Leysen, and that Sunderland are the only suitor named. It says Lucumi, 27, was frustrated by a failed switch last year and is keen on a Premier League move. With Colombia heading to this summer’s World Cup in North America, the report suggests heightened attention could inevitably push an exit from the Renato Dall'Ara.

Source: Sunderland Echo