Jose Mourinho’s determination to find a new central defensive partnership has led him to Juventus’ door with Leonardo Bonucci, 29, his target.
The Italian international has been in fine form during Euro 2016 and has been integral to their progress to the knockout rounds. His superb long pass set up 31 year-old Sunderland midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini’s opening goal during the assured 2 – 0 victory over Belgium.
Bonucci is most comfortable in three-man defence where his range of passing and experience as a midfielder comes to the fore but he has proven uncompromising at Juventus and has been a lynchpin of their defence since joining in 2010.
He was a key member of the side which surprised everyone in reaching the 2015 Champions League final, and his performances were rewarded with a nomination for the 2015 UEFA Team of the Year. With 274 appearances for the Turin-based club and five Serie A titles to add to the one he won at Inter Milan, Bonucci may be ready for a new challenge.
Mourinho saw the defender first hand during his spell at Internazionale and was suitably impressed. The new United manager has already added Eric Bailly, 22, to his defence but is keen to bring in experience to nurture the youngster through to the first team.
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