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What's the rumour?
As per reports from Italian outlet Tuttosport (via Express), Jose Mourinho is eyeing up a move for AC Milan captain Leonardo Bonucci. The Italian centre-back made the surprising switch to Milan from Serie A champions Juventus last summer.
In case you didn't know...
Italy has been home to some of the greatest defenders of all-time. One such defender of our generation is Leonardo Bonucci - who is without question of the world's best at present.
He has played almost 550 games for both club and country, while winning numerous trophies and personal accolades to go alongside his vast experience. As part of Milan's major summer overhaul, he was a surprise acquisition for £37.5m and signed a five-year deal which runs until July 2022.
The heart of the matter
Manchester United's defenders have been plagued by injuries all season and Mourinho has failed to field a consistent centre-back pairing all season. New signing Victor Lindelof is yet to find his feet while Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo have all found themselves on the treatment table very often.
It is almost inevitable that Mourinho will sign a solid, experienced centre-back this summer and they have been linked with many players as well. Bonucci is the latest defender rumoured to be a target for Mourinho and as per the report, he is prepared to do all he can to tempt the Italian into making a lucrative switch to Old Trafford.
His market value is said to be around €45million.
Rumour rating/probability - 5/10
Not many credible sources have reported the news yet and this looks like a story which will develop over the coming weeks.
Video: Bonucci in action for AC Milan this season
Author's take
Bonucci is exactly what United need at the moment: a tough defender with plenty of experience, crucially a leader from the back. Given his ability though, they will need to ward off other potential suitors for the player and offer a substantial transfer fee to Milan if they are to stand any real chance of signing the player.
