Chelsea and Man City set to battle for £50m defender

PEP GUARDIOLA and Antonio Conte will battle it out for the signature of Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci in January.

Posted Sunday, September 25, 2016 by Dailystar.co.uk

The Italy international was the subject of interest from both Manchester City and Chelsea in this summer’s transfer window but stayed with Serie A giants Juve.

He will have another decision to make in the new year, however as City will look to strengthen their defence with Vincent Kompany still struggling with injury.

But they will face fierce competition from Chelsea and Conte, who view the centre-half as the answer to their own defensive woes.

The problem both clubs face is that the Italian giants are in no rush to cash the £50m cheque being shoved under their noses for a player who has developed into one of the world’s finest centre-halves.

Chelsea and Man City set to battle for £50m defender
WANTED MAN: Man City and Chelsea want Bonucci

Bonucci, 29, said: “I’ve signed a new contract with Juventus and I’m only thinking about them.”

But Bonucci recently revealed he had offers from the Premier League and was tempted by the prospect of playing in England with a particular coach he chose not to name.

Guardiola has constantly described Bonucci as one of his favourite players and will spend the next three months considering his options.

Conte is already under pressure to shore up a leaky and ageing Stamford Bridge defence despite the return of David Luiz.