Regis Le Bris must go all out for 'phenomenon' after Sunderland denied Axel Disasi links
Sunderland are still in the hunt for a centre-back despite bringing in several defenders this summer.
Reinildo, Omar Alderete, Arthur Masuaku, and Nordi Mukiele have arrived at the Stadium of Light, but Alderete is the only natural centre-half.
Regis Le Bris' side have been linked with Axel Disasi, who is seemingly on his way out of Chelsea this summer.
However, those reports appear to be wide of the mark, meaning Le Bris' side must go all in on a defender they've been strongly linked with.
Sunderland dampen talk of Axel Disasi interest
Sunderland were reportedly ready to bid for Disasi, who has been heavily linked with a Chelsea exit this summer.
Disasi was praised during his early days at Chelsea, but was loaned out to Villa for the second half of last season.
Bournemouth have also been credited with interest as they hope to fill in the gaps of Andoni Iraloa's backline.
However, it seems that reports of the Black Cats' interest in Disasi may have been untrue.
That is because Sunderland played down talk of any approach or bid for the Frenchman this morning, according to Kieran Gill on 26 August.
Furthermore, the Daily Mail reporter claims that the Cherries are interested in a loan, with talks on going, although no deal has been finalised.
Regis Le Bris needs Jhon Lucumi after Bologna manager comments
While a potential move has been cast into doubt, Lucumi could still end up as a Sunderland player before the window closes.
Bologna boss Vicenzo Italiano raged after Lucumi's error against Roma, clearly furious about the transfer window still being open.
However, the Colombian's manager spoke incredibly positively about his performances last season.
"Yesterday, a former teammate of mine came to watch the training session and told me there's a phenomenon in this team," Italiano said via TuttomercatoWeb in February.
"A defender like Lucumi, with that physicality and skill, is an incredible player.
"But John also knows that to become a top-level player, he must avoid the mistakes he made previously because they ruin immense talent and quality.
"If he applies himself, he can do it. It's a question of mentality. For me, it's easy to change this; he can become a top player."
- Lucumi has made 29 international appearances
- He joined Bologna in 2022 from Genk
- Sunderland have been linked with him for a substantial chunk of the window
Interestingly, his mistake against Roma makes Italiano's comments even more fitting, suggesting he is yet to become a 'top-level player'.
However, given the situation around his future, with Lucumi seemingly desperate to leave, it is no wonder he has made such a mistake.
With the transfer deadline set for 1 September, the Wearsiders must do all they can to land the Colombian international.
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