Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Leonardo Bonucci, Matteo Darmian Rumours

Leonardo Bonucci is reportedly set to extend his contract with Juventus, ending Jose Mourinho's hopes of signing the centre-back for Manchester United.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News revealed how cultured defender Bonucci will likely sign the new deal, even though he was on United boss Mourinho's wish list this summer: "Jose Mourinho had identified Bonucci as the ideal leader to further reinforce United's spine, but the chances of the 29-year-old moving to Old Trafford were remote, especially after Paul Pogba swapped Turin for Manchester."

Luckhurst also revealed how United and Mourinho's failure to sell Argentine Marcos Rojo meant the club couldn't sign another defender. Mourinho had already spent around £30 million on Villarreal central defender Eric Bailly earlier this summer.

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Bailly has already proved to be a superb athlete and rugged presence at the back. Yet there's no doubt Bonucci's particular qualities would also have been welcome.

The 29-year-old is a cultured defender who excels in playing out from the back. Bonucci can pick a pass as well as any midfield playmaker.

He's particularly adept at releasing runners with accurate long balls from deep. It's a talent ideal for launching the type of quick breaks Mourinho loves.

Perhaps that's why United were linked with a £60 million move for Bonuuci back in July, per the Sunday Times (h/t Sam Morgan of the Sun).

However, it was always going to be tough to get Bonucci away from Juve. He's collected multiple Serie A titles with the Turin club and enjoys regular UEFA Champions League football, something United and Mourinho are unable to offer this season.

The inability to sign Bonucci is further highlighted by Daley Blind's struggles at centre-back so far this season. Another ball-playing defender, converted midfielder Blind can look shaky at the heart of the back four.

It's easy to believe he would be expendable if Mourinho eventually opts to spend big on another centre-back.

Matteo Darmian and Mourinho at Odds

Bonucci may want to stay at Juve, while another Italian defender reportedly perhaps wants out of Old Trafford. Little-used full-back Matteo Darmian could move in January, according to Italian source Tuttosport (h/t Samuel Lovett of the Independent).

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The reports also revealed how Darmian's relationship with United manager Mourinho has suffered a “complete breakdown.” Lovett also stated how former Torino man Darmian could be a loan target for Juventus in the winter transfer window.

It's a surprise Darmian hasn't been trusted to at least provide cover for Antonio Valencia. The Italian struggled last season but is still effective going forward and has the engine to tirelessly raid the flank and track back.

Sure, United have talented young prospect Timothy Fosu-Mensah to call on. But a player with Darmian's experience and versatility could be useful for a defence that still looks a little suspect during the early days of Mourinho's reign.

Darmian had previously expressed his willingness to fight for a place at United, per Adam Marshall of the club's official site. Yet if genuine opportunities for playing time aren't being offered as an incentive, the player is more likely to view a move away as his only option.

Mourinho has worked hard to retool the United defence this summer. Still, with plenty of incumbents struggling to impress the new boss, he's a good bet to continue reshaping the back four in subsequent transfer windows.