Manchester United are among six clubs eyeing a bargain transfer with Michael Carrick's side having a big advantage over other Premier League teams
Bologna and Colombia centre-back Jhon Lucumi is open to joining Manchester United
Bologna and Colombia centre-back Jhon Lucumi is open to joining Manchester United (Image: (Photo by Hannah Peters - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images))
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Reported Manchester United transfer target Jhon Lucumi only wants to join a 'big club' if he leaves Bologna this summer. The Colombian centre-back has been strongly linked to several European teams with United among the frontrunners over other interested parties such as Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth.
Sunderland failed in their attempts to sign him last summer while Chelsea, Juventus and Inter Milan have also recently been linked to the defender. The latter trio seemingly join United as the favourites for his signature given his stance of only wanting to join big clubs, as per Quotidiano Sportivo.
It has also been claimed that United have now made their move for the 28-year-old with Lucumi, who has just 12 months left on his current contract, open to joining. Having reached an agreement with Como for Trevoh Chalobah, Chelsea are also interested in signing a centre-back and have explored a potential deal for Lucumi.
The future of Blues defender Benoit Badiashile could also be key in this transfer battle with Juventus showing an interest after Napoli explored a move.
Their report has also stated that Juve and Forest have made offers with both of those rejected for different reasons. Bologna are said to want €25million (£21.4m) plus €3million (£2.6m) in add-ons with two proposals from the Old Lady falling below their valuation.
Forest got much closer to the funds Bologna want to receive but Lucumi looks to have turned down a move to the City Ground because he only wants the big clubs.
United were first linked to Lucumi over a week ago with reports from Italy stating he was waiting to see if more offers arrived after Bournemouth and Forest made formal moves.
Lisandro Martinez reacts after suffering an injury
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez suffered an injury during the World Cup final
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Lisandro Martinez's injury in the World Cup final seemingly caused United to explore the market for defenders particularly with Matthijs de Ligt seemingly some way off playing again after undergoing back surgery.
The former is expected to be fit for the start of the season with Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Harry Maguire as United's other options at centre-back.
More potential injury issues and European football has seen the need for strong squad depth increase with a deal for Lucumi also seemingly seen as a unique market opportunity given his contract situation.
He started all five of Colombia's games at the World Cup, in which they conceded just one goal, after he made 43 appearances in all competitions last season.