Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Leonardo Bonucci, Nemanja Matic Rumours

Manchester United are ready to launch an ambitious pursuit of superb Juventus centre-back Leonardo Bonucci.

That’s according to Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star Sunday, who suggested the Red Devils are ready to battle with Chelsea in an attempt to bring the defender to the Premier League. United are said to be willing to offer £25 million for the 29-year-old, although Juve reportedly value him at double that amount.

Following another impeccable campaign at the back for Juventus last term, Bonucci is shining for Italy at the UEFA European Championship. Here is a look at what he could potentially bring to United:

Statistically, this is how the Italian compared to United’s star centre-back in the 2015-16 season, Chris Smalling, and new recruit Eric Bailly in league matches:

	Smalling	Bailly	Bonucci
Apps (Sub)	35	25	35 (1)
Goals	0	0	3
Tackles per game	1.6	1.8	1.1
Interceptions per game	2.8	2.6	2.3
Clearances per game	5.1	4.7	4.1
Blocks per game	0.5	0.6	0.4
Passing Accuracy	82.4%	76.9%	87%

Bonucci has become a world-class operator with the Bianconeri. Alongside Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli in a three-man back line, he’s been tremendous, offering dynamism and intensity. Of the trio, Bonucci is also the man tasked with carrying the ball out of defence and setting up attacks.

That blend of talent has been framed at the ongoing European Championship, with Bonucci turning in some standout displays for the Azzurri. His pass to Emanuele Giaccherini for Italy’s opening goal against Belgium on Monday was arguably the finest of the tournament so far.

Bleacher Report’s Adam Digby commented on how balanced the defender is and evidently rates him very highly:

His signing would be a substantial coup if United were able to pull it off. As Digby noted, there aren’t many defenders in the game who are quite as influential as Bonucci. As such, the reported fee of £25 million would seem nowhere near enough to convince Juventus to sell.

The Italian seems content with life at the Bianconeri anyway. Massimiliano Allegri has built an exciting team during his tenure, and Juve will be aiming to go far in the UEFA Champions League next season following their fifth Scudetto in succession. Keeping Bonucci at the club will be central to challenging on the European stage.

Nemanja Matic, Matteo Darmian Swap Deal Reported

Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images

According to Steve Bates of the Sunday People (h/t the Sunday Mirror) Manchester United are set to offer Matteo Darmian to Chelsea as part of a deal that could take Nemanja Matic to Old Trafford.

It’s suggested the Italian full-back is admired by incoming Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, and as such, Mourinho views him as a “bargaining chip” as he pursues Matic. Bates also noted the Portuguese wants to add a more physical edge to his Red Devils team and views the Serbia international as a key capture.

As noted by Joe.co.uk’s Nooruddean Choudry, the players who have been linked to United since Mourinho took over in May adhere to a common theme:

Darmian had a solid debut season at Old Trafford. The Italian showed he is defensively adept and versatile, filling in at left-back as well as his usual right-back slot. However, he doesn’t possess intensity in getting forward or the kind of burly somatotype Mourinho looks for in his defenders.

OLI SCARFF/Getty Images

Conte seemingly admires similar traits in players to the new United boss, though, and as such, you can guarantee he’ll be hoping to keep Matic. These figures from WhoScored.com show just how important the Serbian is:

While United have players such as Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin, Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera to operate in deeper midfield positions, Chelsea aren’t quite so blessed in this area. They certainly don’t have anyone who could replicate the influence of Matic, and that’ll make it tough for the Red Devils to prise him away.