Report: Jose Mourinho Contacts Leonardo Bonucci over Summer Move to Man Utd

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly contacted AC Milan defender Leonardo Bonucci over a potential summer move for the Italian. 

According to Tuttosport (via Calciomercato), Bonucci is a key centre-back target for Mourinho, and, although he only joined Milan a year ago, he could be available as the Rossoneri need to balance their books after overspending.

The report added Milan could be open to letting their captain depart on a loan-to-buy arrangement, but they are unprepared to negotiate on any offers under €40 million (£35 million).

That is understandable given it cost them €40 million to sign Bonucci from Juventus last summer, and he still has four years remaining on his contract at the San Siro.

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Such a price tag is far from prohibitive for United, who have more than enough funds to make an attractive offer to Milan.

Bonucci, 31, established himself as one of the world's best ball-playing defenders during a successful seven-year spell at Juventus.

His debut season at Milan has been mixed, but Mourinho is likely confident he could thrive at Old Trafford.

It would be beneficial to have a player of Bonucci's immense experience and quality in the United back line.

The current crop of centre-backs Mourinho has to call on, with the arguable exception of Eric Bailly, are too inconsistent.

United's excellent defensive record in 2017-18—19 Premier League clean sheets and only 28 goals conceded—is, in large part, thanks to the brilliance of goalkeeper David De Gea, per Opta:

Bonucci and Bailly, 24, would be a dynamic and exciting pairing in the middle of the United defence and could potentially form the foundation of a title-winning side.