Sunderland pressure decisive as Lucumi transfer bid launched
Sunderland could be about to make significant progress in their bid to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna.
The centre back was one of the star performers for Vincenzo Italiano’s side last term, as they ended their 51-year trophy drought with victory over AC Milan in May’s Coppa Italia final.
Sunderland had already seen an opening bid for Lucumi rejected, and they have emerged as one of the frontrunners to secure the Colombian’s signature this summer.
Regis Le Bris’ side have been undeterred in their approach to land the 27-year-old, and they seem intent on adding him to their ranks before the window shuts.
Sunderland pressure could be key after £21m+ Lucumi offer
Sunderland recently launched another offensive for Lucumi, as the Wearsiders tabled a bid of more than £21million for the defender.
That offer was understood to have included a series of add-ons, in a bid to sweeten the deal for the Serie A side.
Bologna are thought to be open to accepting deferred payments for their star, but their exact repsonse to the proposal has not been entirely clear so far.
However, the Black Cats are now seen as being “insistent” to get the deal done, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport (31 July, 08:18am).
The Italian outlet believes that the pressure coming from the Black Cats could prove to be “decisive” as they continue to work towards a deal for the defender.
Lucumi is also thought to be attracting interest from La Liga, in the form of Atletico Madrid and Villarreal.
Sunderland to continue impressive window with Lucumi deal
Sunderland will be keen to strengthen the centre of their backline this summer, and a deal to bring Lucumi to the North East would certainly be a positive investment.
Florent Ghisolfi and Co. have done some fantastic work in the transfer market so far, as they aim to build a squad capable of surviving in the Premier League.
The Black Cats have seemingly spent well to add dashes of proven quality in key areas of the pitch, but they also appear to have maintained the importance of a core of players from their promotion-winning side.
Lucumi would be another impressive capture for them, given the interest that has been shown in him from elsewhere.
Only time will tell whether Le Bris has enough quality within his squad to guide Sunderland to safety, but they are certainly making a good fist of it if their summer business is anything to go by.
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