Nottingham Forest have stepped up their search for a new centre-back by submitting an offer for Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi, with the Colombian potentially emerging as an alternative to long-term target Ousmane Diomande.
It has so far been a relatively quiet summer at the City Ground ahead of another Premier League campaign.
Forest’s main additions so far have been Xaver Schlager, who arrived on a free transfer following the end of his RB Leipzig contract, and attacking midfielder Gustavo Sa, signed from Famalicao in a deal worth around €20m (£17m) before joining Olympiacos on loan for the upcoming season.
Heading the other way, Elliot Anderson’s record move to Manchester City has left the Reds with funds to spend, with defensive reinforcements a priority for new boss Oliver Glasner.
Forest had appeared to be closing in on Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande last week, with negotiations described as advanced and personal terms reportedly agreed.
However, a deal is yet to go through, and now Forest have appeared to have made a move for Lucumi.
Jhon Lucumi’s World Cup
Appearances
5
Started every match as Colombia reached the Round of 16.
Minutes played
480
Played almost every possible minute, underlining his importance to the team.
Clean sheets
4
Helped Colombia record four shutouts during the tournament.
Pass accuracy
93%
Demonstrated his composure and quality when building attacks from the back.
Clearances
30
Regularly dealt with danger in and around Colombia’s penalty area.
Interceptions
10
Read the game well to break up opposition attacks.
Tackles won
8
Combined aggression with excellent timing in defensive duels.
Aerial duels won
21
Dominated in the air against a range of international forwards.
Goals conceded
4
Colombia conceded just four goals across five matches.
Tournament finish
Round of 16
One of Colombia’s standout performers despite their knockout exit to Switzerland on penalties.
Nottingham Forest submit bid to sign Lucumi
According to reports from Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest have submitted an offer worth €20m (£17m) plus bonuses for the Bologna defender.
The Serie A club are thought to value him at around €25m (£21.5m), with his €28m (£24m) release clause expiring recently.
However, Forest have a battle on their hands to convince the player to move to the City Ground, though. Lucumi reportedly favours a move to Juventus, even though Forest have actually outbid the Italian giants. They put forward just €17m (£14.5m) bid, which was turned down.
Nevertheless, the 28-year-old’s profile makes Forest’s interest understandable. Lucumi made 29 Serie A appearances for Bologna last season, whereas he started all five games for Colombia at the World Cup, conceding just once in 480 minutes of action.
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The left-footed defender could offer composure, recovery pace and experience alongside the likes of Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic.
Diomande may remain Forest’s preferred option, or Glasner may want both, but the fresh proposal for Lucumi shows the club are not prepared to wait indefinitely.
After a subdued start to the window, things could once again become busy at the City Ground in the final weeks of the market.
