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Manchester United 'add Colombia international to defensive shortlist'

Man Utd 'add Colombia international to defensive shortlist'
© Reuters
Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi emerges as a summer transfer target for Manchester United, according to a report.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi during this summer's transfer window.

The 25-year-old has been in strong form for his Italian club during the 2023-24 campaign, making 22 appearances in all competitions, including 20 outings in Serie A.

Lucumi started his professional career with Deportivo Cali in 2015 before moving to Genk in 2018, spending four years with the Belgian outfit ahead of a switch to Bologna in 2022.

The 18-time Colombia international has made 56 appearances for his Italian team and has another two years left to run on his contract, but there is currently speculation surrounding his future.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Man United have been in touch with Bologna to register their interest in the South American, but the English club are likely to face competition from Atletico Madrid.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reacts on February 18, 2024© Reuters

The report claims that Atletico are looking for a replacement for Mario Hermoso, while Man United are keen to bring in a left-footed centre-back this summer to provide support for Lisandro Martinez.

Bologna allegedly value Lucumi in the region of €20m (£17m), which is unlikely to put off either Atletico or Man United considering the current transfer market.

However, it has been claimed that a strong showing for his country at the Copa America this summer could see his valuation rise, with a deal therefore potentially being agreed ahead of the tournament.

Lucumi was in action for Colombia during the recent international break, playing the full 90 minutes in his national side's friendly wins over Spain and Romania.

Manchester United's Raphael Varane pictured in November 2023© Reuters

Which defenders could leave Man United this summer?

Both Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans are out of contract this summer, with Man United facing big decisions when it comes to the two players.

There have been suggestions that the duo could sign new deals, but Varane would have to be prepared to accept a significant pay cut, as he is currently one of the top earners at Old Trafford.

There is also speculation surrounding the futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, with both players potentially leaving for the right price this summer, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka is likely to be sold if the club are able to bring in another right-back to support Diogo Dalot.

Of the current crop of centre-backs at Old Trafford, arguably only Martinez is guaranteed to be at the club next season, with the Argentine viewed as a vital player for the Red Devils.

Left-backs Alvaro Fernandez and Brandon Williams are currently on loan at Benfica and Ipswich Town respectively, meanwhile, and the duo are set to leave the club permanently this summer.

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