Manchester United have reportedly registered their interest in Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci even as they move closer to concluding a deal for Paul Pogba.
Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has been on the radar of the big Premier League clubs after a stellar showing at the recently concluded European Championships. The central defender impressed everyone with his passing range and accuracy under Italian Antonio Conte, who is now the manager at Chelsea.
Bonucci was reported to have agreed terms with Chelsea to reunite with his former Juventus and Italy boss at the Bridge, but the move has since stalled over transfer fee negotiations between the two clubs. There were subsequent reports that the Italian’s agent was in Manchester to seal a deal to bring the central defender to the blue half of the city in a £50m move.
However, fresh reports from ESPN have now claimed that Manchester United have joined the race to sign the 29-year old, with Jose Mourinho reportedly wanting another central defender despite signing Eric Bailly from Villarreal. The reports state that Bonucci’s name was brought up by Manchester United during negotiations with Juventus over superstar Paul Pogba.
The central defender is currently valued at €60m by the Serie A champions. Manchester City were reported to be in advanced talks with the player’s agent and Juventus over a move, but Manchester United’s interest could now throw a spanner in the Citizens’ works.
Chelsea were earlier reported to have withdrawn interest after being priced out of negotiations with the Turin club despite agreeing personal terms with the player. The Blues, though, may commit financially to reuniting the player with manager Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge if they fail in their attempts to sign other potential central defensive targets like Valencia defender Shrokdan Mustafi.
This looks set to be a battle of Premier League rivals Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City to sign Leonardo Bonucci who, at present, is considered to be one of the best central defenders in Europe.
