Jhon Lucumi is set to join Juventus from Bologna, with the Serie A club working to complete the deal within the 'next few hours'. The 28-year-old centre-back had been linked with Manchester United and other Premier League clubs, but Juventus are now closing in on his signature.
Juventus ahead in race
Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth were among the Premier League clubs pursuing Lucumi, while Inter Milan and Napoli also showed interest. However, Juventus were among the few to follow up their interest with an offer. An initial bid was rebuffed, and the player declined a proposal from Nottingham Forest.
According to Goal.com, Juventus have since improved their offer, and the transfer is expected to be finalised within hours. An agreement in principle has been struck on personal terms, with Lucumi set to pen a five-year contract once the clubs settle on a fee.
Fee negotiations
The fee has been the challenging aspect, with Juventus attempting to include players in an exchange deal, but those proposals were rejected. They are now willing to pay €20m (£17m) as a guaranteed fee with straightforward add-ons. Lucumi's desire to join Juventus has given them the upper hand.
Como also had a bid rejected and subsequently turned their attention to Trevoh Chalobah, prompting Chelsea to register their interest in Lucumi. Despite Juventus failing to qualify for this season's Champions League, it appears highly improbable that Lucumi will be heading to the Premier League.
United's other targets
Meanwhile, Manchester United have made only three permanent senior acquisitions: Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow. Speculation has linked them with midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Manu Kone, but nothing concrete has emerged. Left-footed defenders including Lewis Hall, Jorge Salinas, Joaquin Seys and David Raum have also been mentioned as potential targets, though an approach for Hall was rejected by Newcastle United.
