Manchester United Transfer News: Leonardo Bonucci Interest, Paul Pogba Rumours

Manchester United are reportedly preparing to turn their attention to Leonardo Bonucci once they've finalised the signing of his Juventus team-mate Paul Pogba.

According to ESPN FC's Miguel Delaney, "club sources" at United are confident they'll be able to land Pogba in a move worth "just over €100 million."

The Red Devils are also said to have brought up Bonucci in their negotiations for the Frenchman, with manager Jose Mourinho hoping to add another centre-back to the squad.

However, Chelsea and Manchester City are already pursuing the Italian, "with sources saying the latter are far more advanced in negotiations."

It's said that the Bianconeri won't accept less than €60 million (£50.1 million), though. And if they lose Pogba, they'll likely be even more reluctant to lose another one of their stars.

Bonucci is a key figure in Juve's back line alongside Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli and, at 29, he is arguably the most valuable of the three—Chiellini turns 32 in August and Barzagli is now 35.

That said, the Serie A champions also have highly promising youngster Daniele Rugani on their books and have brought in Medhi Benatia from Bayern Munich on an initial season-long loan deal this summer, so losing Bonucci may not be as damaging as it would appear.

Gianluca Di Marzio translator David Amoyal highlighted the defender's passing as his best attribute:

Indeed, as both OptaPaolo and WhoScored.com illustrate, his distribution is outstanding:

Here's a look at some of his other stats, per Squawka:

Apps	36
Goals	3
Tackles	28
Headed Duels	46
Interceptions	82
Clearances	160
Chances Created	15
Take-On Success	81%
Pass Completion	87%

Chris Smalling has improved significantly in recent seasons, and United would still look strong at the back if they go into the upcoming campaign with him and Eric Bailly as their first-choice centre-back partnership.

However, Bonucci is among the best defenders in the world and would be an upgrade on either.

The Italian is content to stay put, though, per Amoyal:

If he remains in Turin, it'd be no big loss to United, but it would be a significant coup for their rivals if he were to join Chelsea or City.

Should United sign Pogba, it seems likely that would put an end to their chase for marquee players for the time being. A serious pursuit of Bonucci seems fairly unlikely.