Juventus: Bonucci won't join Man City

Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has rejected talk of a January move to Manchester City for star defender Leonardo Bonucci, according to reports.

ESPN are reporting that Giusepe Marotta, a director at Juventus, has poured cold water on claims that the Old Lady’s star centre-back Leonardo Bonucci could be on his way to Manchester City when the transfer window opens in January.

City are believed to be interested in the player, with manager Pep Guardiola open about his admiration for the Italian international.

It was also believed that City made enquiries over Bonucci’s availability during the summer, but Juventus, having sold Paul Pogba to Manchester United for a world record £89 million fee, were in no financial need to sell another one of their best players.

The Citizens did, however, bring in young England centre-back John Stones during the summer transfer window, and the 22-year-old has impressed with the way he has adapted to life at the Etihad.

But the continued injury problems of captain Vincent Kompany could force City back into the market, with Nicolas Otamendi the only other senior natural centre-back at their disposal; left-back Aleksandar Kolarov has even filled in in the middle of defence for the Blues this season.

Bonucci is widely regarded as one of the very best central defenders in the world, and City would likely have to eclipse the £47.5 million fee they paid for Stones for Juventus to consider parting ways with the 29-year-old.