The race for a Serie A centre-back, who Tottenham are thought to be keen on landing, has intensified, with a whole host of Premier League sides now ready to challenge the Lilywhites for the player.
Amidst the ongoing speculation over Cristian Romero’s Tottenham future, it has been widely reported that Thomas Frank is prioritising signing a centre-back this summer.
It first emerged last month that Tottenham had scouted Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi, with the North London club said to have been impressed by the centre-back’s performances.
Just a few days ago, it was claimed that Spurs have identified Lucumi as the ideal option to replace Romero if the Argentine completes a move to Atletico Madrid.
Tottenham facing major competition for Jhon Lucumi’s signature
It has now been revealed by Gazzetta dello Sport that the Colombian international may indeed be in the shop window this summer.
This is because Bologna are trying to sign Daniele Ghilardi from Hellas Verona, but in order to fund the move, they may have to cash in on Lucumi.
However, the outlet makes it clear that Tottenham Hotspur are not alone in their admiration of the centre-back, with Wolves, Brentford, Bournemouth, Brighton and Aston Villa also mentioned as suitors.
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Additionally, it is claimed that Manchester United and Manchester City are also keeping an eye on Lucumi’s situation, with the race for the 26-year-old set to intensify.
Tottenham have to act fast to land Lucumi on a discount
Interestingly, this report from Gazzetta claims that Lucumi can be signed on a discount as his release clause at Bologna stands at just €28m (£23.8m).
However, Spurs and the centre-back’s other suitors will have to hurry to get him at that price as the clause is only valid until July 10th. It is unlikely that Tottenham will even know Cristian Romero’s future by that date.
It thus appears that we will know within the next couple of weeks just where the Colombian will end up this summer on the back of three excellent campaigns for the Rossoblu.