“Sunderland Launch Shock £19M Transfer Blitz – Star Target Now Seriously Weighing Sensational Switch as Pressure Mounts! Fans Stunned by Bold Move – Is a Blockbuster Deal Imminent?”

Sunderland Plot Improved £19.2M Swoop for Serie A Star Jhon Lucumí as Transfer Battle Heats Up – Premier League Rivals and La Liga Giants Circle

Sunderland are refusing to give up in their pursuit of Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumí, with fresh reports from Italy suggesting the Championship side are preparing a renewed offer for the Colombian international.

The Black Cats have already lodged a bid in the region of £17.4 million, but sources claim Serie A outfit Bologna are holding out for closer to £21.4 million. Sunderland, however, are expected to return to the table with a revised package that includes £17.4 million upfront plus £1.8 million in add-ons  taking the potential deal to around £19.2 million.

Lucumí, 27, is said to have turned down a new contract with Bologna, signalling his openness to a new challenge. With Premier League side Bournemouth also in the frame – despite having a £13 million bid rejected last month  Sunderland face stiff competition for the defender’s signature.

Italian outlet Quotidiano Sportivo claims that Director of Football Florent Ghisolfi is awaiting a positive response from Lucumí before escalating negotiations further. It’s believed that any green light from the player could trigger Sunderland’s official follow-up bid.

Meanwhile, Lucumí’s agent is reportedly in Spain holding exploratory talks with La Liga clubs including Atletico Madrid and Villarreal, both of whom could hijack a move if a deal with Bologna stalls.

With Bologna actively seeking alternatives, they are eyeing several names across Europe, including Diogo Leite (Union Berlin), Fedde Leysen (Union Saint-Gilloise), and Koni De Winter (Genoa).

Speaking to Sky Sports, Sunderland’s Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman confirmed the club are not finished with their summer business:

“We’ve still got several more players that we need to acquire in certain areas… We’ll try to be calm, but it’s the balance of being calm, waiting and trying to find [players].”

He added that the club’s ambition remains clear, with a strong emphasis on getting deals over the line early to build momentum ahead of the season.

As Sunderland continue to flex their financial muscle in the market, the next 48 hours could prove pivotal in deciding whether Lucumí makes the switch to the Stadium of Light – or if a European giant swoops in to steal the deal.