Manchester United have expressed an interest in signing Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi during the summer transfer window, according to Claro Sports.
The Red Devils are likely to invest on a new central defender this summer. They have already been linked with multiple names including Gleison Bremer and Jarrad Branthwaite.
It is now reported that the club are keen on landing the services of Lucumi from Bologna and could compete with the likes of Atletico and Juventus.
There is no mention over the asking price, but it is claimed that Atletico are planning to propose an initial fee of €13 million plus add-ons for the Colombian.
The 25-year-old has played a big role in Bologna’s push for Champions League football this season.
He is left-footed, but has been brilliant from the right centre-back role for the Serie A outfit.
Lucumi has averaged 58 passes with a passing accuracy of 93 per cent. He has also won 67 per cent of his duels alongside 5.1 recoveries and 1.8 tackles per outing.
His transfer value is bound to increase with the added competition, but TuttoMercatoWeb have previously claimed that he could be signed for €20 million.
For such a fee, he would be a huge bargain in the transfer market. The arrival of Lucumi could also allow United to spend additional funds on a younger centre-back.
United are likely to spend with more caution this summer amid Financial Fair Play issues and we may not see a significant outlay on a single player from the owners.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is currently in control of football operations with INEOS, has already hinted that the club are likely to prioritise emerging talents over world-beaters.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
