Manchester United, Juventus and Nottingham Forest Race for Jhon Lucumi

An intense battle is unfolding among four major clubs for Bologna's 28-year-old Colombian centre-back Jhon Lucumi. According to TuttoMercato, Manchester United, Juventus, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest are all interested in the defender, who enhanced his reputation with his performances at the recent World Cup. According to the report, Bologna are seeking a fee in the region of €25-30 million including bonuses, though Manchester United and Juventus are said to be more eager than the other clubs to complete the deal.

According to the report, Lucumi is entering the final year of his contract, and the €28 million release clause he previously held has now expired. Nottingham Forest are said to have submitted a concrete offer worth €20 million plus €5 million in bonuses, though the Colombian defender is currently keeping the English club "on hold" as he waits to see whether offers from bigger clubs materialise. Juventus, meanwhile, are said to have reached preliminary agreement on personal terms with the player, with Lucumi favouring the Italian club despite Nottingham Forest's higher salary offer.

Having made 29 Serie A appearances last season, starting 26 of them and accumulating over 2,200 minutes, Lucumi is seen as a significant potential upgrade for Manchester United's defence given the injury records of Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt. It's noted that Bologna now consider the player's departure inevitable, but are in no rush to accept an offer below market value.

Source: TuttoMercato
Image: Mynet