MANCHESTER UNITED are interested in a move for Juventus and Italy star Leonardo Bonucci, according to reports.
The centre-back, 29, is currently negotiating a deal to join rivals Manchester City and Pep Guardiola, but United and Jose Mourinho have joined the chase.
According to ESPN, Bonucci’s name was mentioned during world record negotiations for fellow Juventus star Paul Pogba – the Italian club are said to have agreed a £105million deal for the Frenchman.
Mourinho, who is in China on the club’s pre-season tour, wants transfer mogul Ed Woodward to turn his attention to another centre-back after the Pogba saga is over.
During the process of negotiating a deal for the 23-year-old, the availability of Bonucci has been discussed.
RELATED STORIES
The centre-back, considered by many as the best in the world, had also been linked with a reunion with Antonio Conte at Chelsea before Manchester City became firm favourites.
The Etihad club are believed to already be in advanced negotiations for the Italian, who have bought Mehdi Benatia as a potential replacement from Bayern Munich.
City also continue to chase Everton and England defender John Stones, while United hold an interest in him as well.
Despite Mourinho already adding one centre-back, £30m Eric Bailly, to his new-look squad, United are interested in another defender.
Raphael Varane has also been linked but is said to have turned down the chance of a move.
Juventus will not want to lose their two best players in one summer and would likely ask for at least £50m.
The futures of Daley Blind, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo are now in the balance.
Leave a comment