Incoming Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is plotting a summer swoop for Juventus centre-back Leonardo Bonucci, according to reports in the Mail on Sunday.
The Bayern Munich boss reportedly wants to build a new defence at the Etihad Stadium, with Bonucci being the centre of his plans.
The Italian defender has been touted as one of Guardiola’s ‘favourite-ever players’ and, with the Sky Blues’ current defensive crisis, a move for the 28-year-old is not beyond the realms of possibility.
Pete Jenson of the Mail on Sunday writes that City are willing to pay a fee of up to £25m for his services, which could be included in a £85m double deal that would also see ex-Manchester United starlet Paul Pogba return to Manchester.
Bonucci has been an ever-present part of Juventus’ back four this season and has played in all of the Old Lady’s current run of 10 consecutive league clean sheets.
The Inter Milan academy graduate has also appeared twice against the Citizens in the Champions League, conceding one goal in the process.
With the expected departure of Martin Demichelis, City will be in the market for at least one central defender in the summer transfer window but have also been linked with moves for Everton and England international John Stones as well as Atheltic Bilbao anchor Aymeric Laporte.
