Manchester United are joining the race to sign Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci, according to ESPN.
The 29-year-old has already attracted interest from Chelsea, where his former international manager Antonio Conte is now in charge, and Manchester City, who are in desperate need of a world-class defender.
Pep Guardiola has been considering a move for Bonucci because he can’t rely on the fitness of club captain Vincent Kompany, but he may now have to fight Jose Mourinho for the Juve stalwart, who has been in Turin for six years, winning five titles in that time.
It would certainly hurt Guardiola to lose out to Mourinho before the season’s even begun.
However, it’s United who have an advantage, as they are already talking to Juventus about the proposed sale of Paul Pogba.
The Red Devils have already signed Eric Bailly at centre-back this summer, which puts the future of Daley Blind in doubt. If Bonucci were to arrive as well, then Chris Smalling’s place in the side would also be under threat.
Juve want at least €60m for Bonucci, which could prove a problem if United are already shelling out a world record fee for Paul Pogba.
The other alternative is to bid for Everton’s John Stones – also wanted by City and Chelsea – but he is likely to cost about the same.
Of course, Mourinho could always simply work with what he already has, but that has never been the Special One’s style.
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