Manchester United closely monitoring AC Milan captain Leonardo Bonucci

Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Italy international defender Leonardo Bonucci, according to Yahoo.

The Premier League side, who finished second in the English top-flight standings last term, have been linked with a surprise move for the AC Milan centre-back, should the club be found guilty of breaching Financial Fair Play regulations.

The 31-year-old, who has 80 international caps for his country, scored two goals and provided one assist in 51 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A outfit last season.

Bonucci, who only arrived at the San Siro last July following his reported €42m switch from Italian champions Juventus, won a majestic six league titles with his former club, plus three Italian Cups and Italian Super Cups.

Italy’s Leonardo Bonucci.

However, with Milan expected to be expelled from the UEFA Europa League during the 2018-19 campaign for overspending, Manchester United could take advantage of the Italians’ troubles and make a move for captain Bonucci.

The report claims the centre-back has been identified as a possible defensive transfer target for manager Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford this summer, and the ‘Special One’ could firm up his interest if Milan need to sell star players to balance their books.

Bonucci is contracted at the San Siro until June 2022, and is valued at £31.5m.

United have signed defender Diogo Dalot (FC Porto) and midfielder Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk) so far this summer.

Written by Dan Church Follow @DJChurch94