Man City's €45m Bonucci bid rejected

Manchester City have made a bid of €45 million for Leonardo Bonucci which has been rejected by Juventus, according to reports in Italy.

The 29-year-old Italian defender is widely regarded as one for the finest centre-backs in the world, and Juventus have no intention of letting their key man leave.

Both Sky Sport Italia and Tuttosport claim that City have lodged a €45 million offer for the former Inter Milan player, but the Citizens were rebuffed and told in no uncertain terms to forget about trying to sign Bonucci by Juve.

Bonucci joined Juventus is 2010 from Bari and, as part of the BBC back three along with Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, has formed the bedrock of the Old Lady's domestic success, earning five consecutive Serie A titles.

Bonucci is also thought to be on the wish list of new Chelsea manager Antonio Conte. Conte worked with Bonucci at Juventus and, more recently, with the Italian national team. The Blues boss is well aware of Bonucci's quality, and is thought to be considering a move for the defender as he looks to reshape the squad he has inherited from Guus Hiddink.

Bonnuci was one of the stars of the ongoing UEFA European Championship in France for the role he played in Italy's run to the quarter final, before being eliminated by Germany after a penalty shootout.