(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Finance

Nottingham Forest can pave way for £24m Sunderland signing as clock ticks to deadline

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on: 

Sunderland have no doubt had a busy transfer window to date and have shown no signs of slowing down yet.

With transfer deadline day set for 1 September, Regis Le Bris has mere days to secure any new potential signings. 

Multiple players have been linked to Sunderland in recent days as the Frenchman remains determined to improve his squad.

Given Dan Ballard’s recent injury for Sunderland, a new defender could well be needed in the final days.

Now, Nottingham Forest could hold the key to reinforcing the Black Cats’ backline. 

Dan Ballard in action for Sunderland
Dan Ballard is currently injured for Sunderland (Credit: Imago)

Bologna target Francisco Morato as John Lucumi’s replacement

One defender who has been heavily linked to Sunderland in recent days is Jhon Lucumi.

The Bologna defender has impressed in Italy and has previously played Champions League football with the Serie A side.

Reports suggest that Sunderland have submitted a £24.1million bid for Lucumi in the hope of securing his services.

However, according to Corriere di Bologna on 29 August, the Serie A side are searching for a replacement, and have identified Nottingham Forest’s Francisco Morato as an option. 

  • Lucumi has made over 100 appearances for Bologna
  • The defender was part of the side that won the Coppa Italia last season
  • Lucumi is also a Colombian international with 29 caps

It is suggested a move could be made in the next few hours.

If this goes through, it could allow Sunderland to sign Lucumi as Bologna would finally have a replacement for the Colombian.

Therefore, Nottingham Forest’s decision may well prove to be the deciding factor in the saga. 

Jhon Lucumi playing for Bologna
Jhon Lucumi has been heavily linked to Sunderland for weeks (Credit: Imago)

Omar Alderete to be benched by Le Bris?

Given Ballard’s stunning performances for Sunderland recently, if Lucumi is signed, surely the Colombian international will partner the Englishman at the back.

This could mean that new signing Omar Alderete may find himself benched quickly under Le Bris. 

However, the manager could well have other plans for the 28-year-old, who can also play as a left-back. 

Nonetheless, if Lucumi does come through the door at the Stadium of Light in the coming days, Le Bris will no doubt have a decision to make with his team sheet after the international break.

Sign up for the Mackem News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Sunderland AFC news sent straight to your phone

Jhon Lucumi
Omar Alderete
www.mackemnews.com