MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to battle Chelsea for the signature of Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, according to The Sun.
New United boss Jose Mourinho is keen to bolster his defence and has his sights set on the strong and robust centre-back.
Although the Red Devils had the joint-best defensive record last season in the Premier League, conceding 35 goals in their 38 matches, they lacked a physical presence and Mourinho is ready to offload Daley Blind, with Bonucci providing far greater ability in the air and much more experience in the position that the Dutchman.
Juve are not surprisingly keen to hold onto the 29-year-old Italy international who has been instrumental in the club winning the last five Serie A titles.
Bonucci only signed a new deal with the Italian giants last July, taking him through to 2020, although talkSport report it has been rumoured he is ready for a new challenge this summer.
If that is the case, you’d imagine Chelsea would be the frontrunners, with incoming manager Antonio Conte having worked with the defender during his time in charge at both Juventus and the national team.
The Sun claims Manchester City are also interested in Bonucci, with continued concern over Vincent Kompany’s fitness, although the Etihad outfit appear to have made Athletic Bilbao’s America Laporte or John Stones of Everton their priority.
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