Jose Mourinho is interested in bringing centre-back Leonardo Bonucci from AC Milan to Manchester United, according to reports in Italy.
If there is one sector in which Mourinho wants to strengthen, it is without hesitation the defense. After trying to impose Victor Lindelof, Chris Smalling, Daley Blind and Phil Jones in central hinge, the Special One would be determined to recruit in next summer.
The Portuguese would be interested in the profiles of Raphael Varane and Samuel Umtiti, who has not yet extended in Catalonia and who has a release clause of €60m.
But while the first does not seem close to leaving Real Madrid, and that FC Barcelona would be confident in the idea of retaining the former Olympic Lyonn player, Mourinho would have set a new priority.
The Red Devils ended the Premier League campaign with the second best defensive record behind only closest rival Manchester City. Italian Bonucci, is now being looked by Mourinho, who wants to add depth to his already superb squad at Old Trafford.
Bonucci could very soon find Paul Pogba at United, his former teammate at Juventus in 2012-2016. This season, he scored two goals and one assist in 48 appearances for AC Milan.
AC Milan signed Bonucci from Serie A giant clubs Juventus last summer for £37m. But according to reports, the club aren’t going to consider any offers below £35m for the defender, although they could be open to a loan deal with Mourinho’s side having an obligation to but at the end of 208/19 season.
Leonardo Bonucci and Paul Pogba played alongside during Serie A in 2016. (Source:www.sofascore.com)
The Rossoneri, who are also in the sights of UEFA as part of financial fair play, would have to jump on this opportunity to recover a nice sum.
Bonucci on Monday said his body is now in the right place after one season at AC Milan and very confident under Gennaro Gattuso.
“Of course I wanted a new challenge, but if it didn’t happen tomorrow and that’s okay. I love this club and I have been through everything with this club. I am very confident here and I feel good.” Bonucci said.
