Manchester United have joined the race to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna, competing against Premier League rivals Chelsea and Italian giants Juventus for his signature.
The Colombian centre-back has already green-lit a move to the Premier League and is reportedly ready to move to England rather than wait for Juventus to finalise their interest.
According to Quotidiano Sportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, United have now formally launched their move to bring the defender to Old Trafford this summer.
Nottingham Forest have already submitted an offer worth €25m (£21m) for Lucumi, but a move to the City Ground holds no interest for the defender.
Juventus have seen their most recent offer of €18m (£15m) rejected by Bologna, while Chelsea have since made contact with the Serie A club over a potential deal.
United manager Michael Carrick already has a number of centre-back options at his disposal, including Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, and Matthijs de Ligt.
De Ligt remains arguably United’s strongest central defender despite his lengthy absence through injury, and his anticipated return early in the season could see him reclaim an immediate starting spot.
Yoro, still just 20 years old, started 18 Premier League games last season and will be pushing for similar involvement, while 19-year-old Heaven has impressed enormously since arriving from Arsenal in 2025.
At 28 years old and standing as a physically commanding presence, Lucumi would bring the experience and maturity that the younger defenders in Carrick’s squad currently lack.
United are also still active in other areas of the transfer market, with midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni linked and a left-back target identified in Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall.
Having already welcomed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to the club, United’s summer activity has slowed somewhat as the new campaign edges closer.
Adding Lucumi to an already well-stocked defensive unit would give Carrick significant depth ahead of United’s return to Champions League football this season.