Man City identify Chelsea target as Kompany replacement

Manchester City have reportedly earmarked Juventus' Leonardo Bonucci as a potential candidate to replace Vincent Kompany at the end of the current campaign.

Kompany has struggled with calf issues over the past year, and it is understood that Citizens have given up on their skipper, and will accept his sale in the summer.

The Star reports that the Citizens are keeping tabs on the situation of Bonucci, and prepared to match the record fee for a defender - £50m, to lure him to the Etihad this summer.

Bonucci had been linked with a potential move to the Premier League last year, but a deal could not get through as the Italian stayed put to take care of his ill son.

He has since admitted that his future is in the hands of the Old Lady, and a £50m could be sufficient to convince the Serie A giants into a sale.

Chelsea have also been credited an interest in the Italy international with Antonio Conte keen on a reunion with his former centre-half.