Manchester United receive huge blow in Leonardo Bonucci chase

Manchester United wants to add the Italian defender to their squad this summer. But AC Milan could be set to keep hold of him after they won an appeal against their FFP sanctions.

Jose Mourinho has been pretty busy in the transfer window this summer. The Portuguese boss is looking to fill all the gaps in his squad as he looks to mount a strong challenge for the Premier League next season. The main area of concern for Manchester United is in central defense.

Eric Bailly is most likely to be United’s first choice centre-back next season. He did have a fallout with Jose Mourinho towards the second half of last season but it seems to have sorted out. The problem is who will play along with him. The United gaffer isn’t impressed with the performances of Jones and Smalling while Lindelof is yet to find his grip in England.

Marcos Rojo could be a good choice. But the Argentine defender misses out a lot of games due to injury. Jose Mourinho is keen to make an addition to his options. According to The Daily Star, Manchester United were lining up a bid for AC Milan’s, Leonardo Bonucci.

Earlier this summer, The Rossoneri were slapped with a one-year European ban for breaching Financial Fair Play rules. This meant that they couldn’t take part in the Europa League next season which they qualified for through their league position. Lack of European football meant their top players were vulnerable to transfer this summer.

Reports suggested that Leonardo Bonucci submitted a transfer request to force a move away from Italy.

Milan immediately filed an appeal against the UEFA sanctions in the CAS court. On Friday, the verdict came out and the San Siro side were allowed to take part in the Europa League, lifting the sanctions against them. Bonucci sent out a tweet, hours after the verdict was announced.

“Regained what we had achieved in the field” was the Italian’s comment on AC Milan being back in the Europa League. This could mean bad news for Manchester United as the tweet indicates Bonucci willingness to stay at Milan for at least another season.

Next: Arsene Wenger may have his future resolved

Jose Mourinho needs to look for options this summer. Toby Alderweireld is a possibility to join the Red Devils but Tottenham are proving to be difficult to negotiate with.