Juventus reject £38million offer for star defender Bonucci

Leonardo Bonucci: Wanted by Guardiola

Leonardo Bonucci: Wanted by Guardiola

Juventus have rejected a €45million (£38m) offer from Manchester City for centre-half Leonardo Bonucci, according to reports in the Italian press.

Bonucci has imposed himself as one of the best centre-backs in the international scene, with both Chelsea and Manchester City keen to bring the 29-year-old to England.

But is it City who have made the first move, according to reports in Italy, although Juventus have responded by rejecting their offer and telling them the defender is not for sale.

City’s proposal, according to the report, included a further €7million bonus to Juve, depending on the player’s success in the Premier League.

The Catalonian tactician praised the Italy international after Juventus’ meetings with Bayern Munich in the Champions League last season claiming “he is one of the best defenders in the world”.

Bonucci, 29, made 49 appearances and scored three goals for Juventus in the 2015-16 campaign as the club secured a fourth straight Serie A title. He is under contract with the Serie A giants until 2020 and was one of Italy’s most impressive players at Euro 2016.