Tottenham are among a group of sides who are chasing the signature of Bologna’s Jhon Lucumi this summer.
The centre-back was part of the Bologna side that competed in the Champions League last season, before ending their 51-year trophy drought with victory over AC Milan in the Coppa Italia final.
Spurs are part of the Premier League contingent who are interested in Lucumi, while there are also teams across the rest of Europe who are interested in the defender.
The Serie A star looks destined to exit Bologna this summer, with his current club clear that he will not leave for less than his £23.8million release clause.
Tottenham handed opportunity as Galatasaray stumble over Lucumi £23.8m release clause
Daniel Levy will be keen to hand Thomas Frank plenty of resources this summer after trusting him to lead Spurs forward into the upcoming campaign.
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Levy has already agreed a deal to sign Japanese starlet Kota Takai, while there are also several big-money pursuits on the table for the North London outfit at present.
One of those pursuits is over Lucumi, and Spurs have just been handed the perfect opportunity to swoop in and conclude a deal for the centre back.
Galatasaray had been particularly keen to bring in the Colombian, but they have now been put off by the asking price, according to Milliyet (25 June).
The Turkish giants are said to have deemed Bologna’s demands to be “astronomical,” and are understood to be slowing down their approach as a result.
That could hand Tottenham the perfect opportunity to accelerate their interest and work towards a deal.
Galatasaray’s decision to proceed with caution has left the door open for Levy and Co. to steal a march on the rest of the competitors with swift negotiations and strong decision-making.
Lucumi would be a great addition for Spurs
Tottenham’s defence looks set for something of a restructure this season. Cristian Romero is facing an uncertain future in N17, while there are question marks over Radu Dragusin’s ability to recover from his lengthy injury lay-off.
As a result, new additions are expected in the backline, and Lucumi would be a fantastic signing for the Lilywhites if they can reach an agreement with Bologna.
He has been at the heart of his club’s progression in recent years, but now it seems inevitable that he will leave, with just one year remaining on his current contract.
The former Genk man has become a consistent performer in Serie A, and after gaining experience in the Champions League last term, the Premier League seems like it would be the next natural progression in his career.
Frank will be hoping to revamp Tottenham’s squad after such a disappointing season last time out, and Lucumi could be an excellent addition to the spine of the Dane’s new-look team.