Sunderland tried hard to sign Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi in the summer transfer window.
The defender’s agent made it public that he was seeking an exit from the Italian side, whose strong stance proved key despite suggestions of a legal battle.
Sunderland’s chase for the 27-year-old is far from over.
Quotidiano Sportivo report the Colombian is set to be in action for Bologna against Aston Villa in the Europa League on Thursday.
Sunderland scouts will be attending this game, as Florent Ghisolfi’s interest in the centre-back hasn’t waned despite meeting disappointment in the summer.
The outlet claim that Bologna have offered a new deal to Lucumi, who has the chance to commit his future to the club until the summer of 2029.
He is being offered a wage of €1.5m per season, but that is only half what Sunderland offered in the summer.
The South American is yet to respond to this offer from Bologna. The player’s agent Simone Rondanini will meet the Italian side in the next two weeks to speak about the new deal.
This can prove very key to Regis Le Bris’ side, who can make a January move.
