Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Leonardo Bonucci, Adnan Januzaj Rumours

Juventus are reportedly preparing a new and improved contract for star defender Leonardo Bonucci, who is said to be a target for Manchester United, while Adnan Januzaj is closing in on a loan move to Sunderland.

According to the Manchester Evening News' Samuel Luckhurst, United boss Jose Mourinho is keen on adding Bonucci to round out his squad, while rivals Manchester City were also linked with a move before signing John Stones, per La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Goal's Alex Young).

Calciomercato (h/t Luckhurst) reported Juventus are willing to raise his current wage of £2.9 million per year in order to keep him in Turin for the foreseeable future.

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The Italy international has become one of the best central defenders in the world during his time with the Bianconeri, impressing with both his defensive abilities and his superb distribution.

Bonucci, 29, is one of Juventus' best passers and impressed during UEFA Euro 2016 as well, playing alongside team-mates Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli.

Here's a look at some of his highlights:

Like United, Juventus have been remarkably busy during the summer, adding the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Miralem Pjanic, Dani Alves and others. However, they've also lost Paul Pogba and Alvaro Morata, and the club is unlikely to sanction the sale of yet another star player.

The Bianconeri have European glory on their mind after years of dominance in Italy, and their star-studded defence will be key to a deep run in the UEFA Champions League. Of their three regular starters, Bonucci is the youngest and likely the player the Old Lady are least keen to lose.

The Daily Mirror's Liam Canning doesn't think a move is possible:

The sale of Pogba means Juventus won't have to worry about their finances for some time, so there's no real incentive to sell Bonucci, even for another enormous fee.

The Bianconeri only tend to sell their biggest stars when they ask for a transfer themselves―it would be up to Bonucci to force a move, and he's yet to give any indication he wants to leave.

Mourinho could decide to add to his defensive options before the end of the transfer window, but unless something drastic happens, he won't be entering negotiations with the Italian giants for a second time this summer.

Elsewhere, the Daily Mail (h/t Daily Star's Alex Harris) reported Januzaj could be on his way to Sunderland in a loan deal, rather than a permanent move, after the Pogba transfer.

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According to the report, the massive £89 million fee the Red Devils have just spent to bring the France international back to Old Trafford has the club thinking twice about shipping off another talented youngster.

While Januzaj has failed to build on his promising debut campaign, he's still one of the club's most promising players, and United believe he could yet make good on his potential.

ESPN FC's Alex Shaw thinks a loan deal could be beneficial for Sunderland, United and Januzaj, who needs consistent playing time to keep developing:

The Belgian failed to make much of an impact for Borussia Dortmund during a loan spell last season, but the Westfalenstadion side have become a top club in Europe, and the stage may have been a little too big.

A club like Sunderland, who tend to battle against relegation, could be perfect for the 21-year-old, who would immediately become one of the Black Cats' top attacking options.

At the very least, he could increase his value during the loan, leading to a better transfer fee if he does leave the club next summer.