Nottingham Forest can pave way for £24m Sunderland signing as clock ticks to deadline
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.
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.
- Read more: Where Jhon Lucumi will rank in Sunderland’s most expensive signings as new mega-bid submitted
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.
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