Sunderland pushing to beat Premier League rival to £34m defender transfer

Sunderland are stepping up their search for a new centre-back after also seeing an initial bid rejected for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka. On Friday, the Black Cats struck a £17.3million deal for Sassuolo attacker Armand Lauriente and the focus will now shift to improving their backline and midfield options.

Regis Le Bris' Championship play-off winners have already seen an offer rejected for Lille centre-back and Bournemouth target Bafode Diakite but they're now looking to pip the Cherries to a deal.

Bournemouth are thought to be considering other targets after their latest approach worth £26m was rebuffed.

Diakite started for Lille in their pre-season friendly against Como on Friday but he has opened the door to a move to the Premier League and has left matters in the hands of club president Olivier Letang, who is seeking a £34.7m (€40m package).

Sunderland are also among a cluster of sides to have made enquiries for Brighton's Igor Julio as talks with Real Sociedad are at an impasse but in the past week, Bologna's Jhon Lucumi has also emerged as a primary target.

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Lucumi had a £24.3m release clause that formally expired on July 10 and Bologna are now trying to tie down the 27-year-old to a new contract despite recently triggering a one-year extension option.

Bournemouth also saw an offer for Lucumi rejected earlier in the window and it's understood the Colombia international is currently keen to remain in Italy amid interest from Inter and Roma.

Sunderland director of football Florent Ghisolfi previously tried to sign Lucumi during his time in Rome and an initial verbal proposal has already been knocked back.

However, if Bologna fail to agree a new contract with Lucumi, they are primed to consider offers worth close to his recently-expired release clause. Work would still be required on personal terms, even if a club-to-club deal was struck.

Meanwhile, Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag has made it clear he wants to keep Swiss international maestro Xhaka amid Sunderland's interest. AC Milan and newly-promoted Saudi Pro League side Neom SC have also made advances for the ex-Arsenal man, who is currently in Brazil with Bayer as part of their pre-season preparations.

The ex-Manchester United boss told Bild: "If it were up to me, he should stay."

Sunderland's opening undisclosed bid for Xhaka was considered notably low by Bayer, who have no interest in selling him, anyway.

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