MANCHESTER UNITED and Bayern Munich are leading the chase for Leonardo Bonucci, who will need to leave AC Milan this summer.
After missing out on qualification for the Champions League, the Rossoneri are in a position where they have to let some of their biggest assets leave in order to comply with FFP regulations.
Shock England call ups
Euro 2016
Tom Heaton
WAS called up as third-choice by Roy Hodgson, despite only playing in the Championship
World Cup 2014
Ross Barkley
PICKED ahead of Michael Carrick after only his first season as a starter for Everton
World Cup 2010
Stephen Warnock
SELECTED ahead of Leighton Baines after Everton man’s disappointing showing in the pre-tournament friendlies.
World Cup 2006
Theo Walcott
UNCAPPED and yet to even make a Premier League appearance when he was called up by Sven-Goran Eriksson
Euro 96
Phil Neville
AT 19, he was called up ahead of the more established Graeme Le Saux for the home tournament
Having spent around £200million last summer, finishing in the top four became the absolute minimum requirement, but they will only be playing Europa League football next season.
Bonucci, 31, only joined Milan from Juventus 12 months ago — despite strong interest from Chelsea and Manchester City — and has endured a trouble campaign.
However, he has been the victim of instability within the club.
Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso is understood to be fuming at the club after he had been promised a strong squad for next season when he was appointed on a permanent basis.
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Chelsea would still be interested in signing Bonucci but, after a season out of the Champions League, he wants to be playing in Europe’s premier competition again.
Jose Mourinho has contacted the Italy international, but United will face competition from Bayern — with Milan willing to agree to a loan deal with an obligation to buy for around £35m.
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As well as Bonucci, Milan are likely to lose Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is unhappy at constantly being jeered by fans.
Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool are the frontrunners for the young goalkeeper’s signature.
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