Manchester United: In talks with Juventus defender; alternatives to Pogba; Schweinsteiger targeted

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Kicking-off Friday’s Manchester United round-up is the news, as reported by ESPN, that the Red Devils are in talks with highly-coveted Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci.

The Italian international, who is valued at around £50 million, is reported to be a key target for rivals City, who are currently thought to be in pole position for his signature.However, it is understood United have been discussing the possibility of landing Bonucci during their talks with Juventus directors about the signing of Paul Pogba.

For Mourinho, this deal brings both the prospect of strengthening his defence with a world class leader, while at the same time providing an opportunity to get one over Pep Guardiola. This two-pronged incentive means that, should the player be made available, the Portuguese head coach would undoubtedly go hung-ho to land him ahead of the 2016/17 Premier League campaign.

Bonucci made 36 appearances for a Juventus defence that conceded just 20 times in the league last term – the lowest total of any club in the Italian Serie A. Meanwhile, the Red Devils leaked only 35 goals in the Premier League under Louis van Gaal. Alongside Chris Smalling, his arrival would see the formation of perhaps the English top flight’s most formidable centre-back pairings.

Meanwhile, according to the Manchester Evening News, Jose Mourinho has warned Juventus that haggling over the final details of Paul Pogba’s proposed move to Old Trafford could see Manchester United turn their attention to other targets.

While the midfielder remains the new Red Devils boss’ key objective, his latest inferences suggest he is not willing to be bullied in negotiations, with alternative options available to the club.

A price tag north of £100 million is an extortionate fee for a player sold for almost nothing just four years previously, and while we have to judge Pogba on his potential – as well as his current ability – question marks undoubtedly remain over his valuation.

He had an exceptional season for Juventus last term, and warmed into Euro 2016 with impressive performances as the tournament reached the latter stages, but to be worthy of being the ‘world’s most expensive player’ we need to see significantly more from the 23-year-old.

The likes of Paris Saint Germain’s Blaise Matuidi have been linked with the Red Devils already this summer, and should Mourinho fail in his attempts to bring Pogba back to Old Trafford, the Juventus man’s compatriot could well be the player United turn to.

While he doesn’t offer the same as Pogba, in terms of being a player for the future, his experience and ability to control the game from the centre of the park would certainly benefit the Red Devils in a midfield that is currently lacking any form of dynamism.

Elsewhere, reports emerged yesterday afternoon suggesting that French champions PSG want to sign Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger. A fee of £14 million is being talked about for a player who struggled for form and fitness in his debut season at the club, but would the Old Trafford faithful want his to leave? The straightforward answer is, no.

Despite being far from his best last term, the German international developed an instant affinity with the fans, thanks to his pride and passion both on and off the pitch. His still have the ability to perform in the Premier League – perhaps not on a weekly basis – while his experience can be a huge asset, especially considering the number of younger players emerging through the ranks at the club.

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