Manchester United are reportedly looking to use AC Milan’s precarious financial situation to swoop for Leonardo Bonucci, and he could just be their best signing in years.

What's the story?

According to The Express, the Red Devils will make a £30m bid for the experienced Italian centre back, which would actually be a bargain all things considered.

Italian outlets are also running the story, claiming the Red Devils are hoping to beat PSG to his signature.

Milan are in major financial trouble after their huge spending spree last summer, and need to raise around £45m before the transfer window closes.

Luckily for United, Bonucci’s age makes him one of the players they are willing to part with, and he would be the perfect man to add that extra bit of nous to Jose Mourinho’s defence.

Why Bonucci?

The recent links to the likes of Harry Maguire and Toby Alderweireld should be music to the ears of Manchester United fans, as it means Mourinho is finally ready to address his biggest problem.

Upgrading the full backs is high up on many fans’ list of priorities, but the heart of the defence is by far the most important, and the Red Devils simply cannot play another season relying on Phil Jones and Chris Smalling if Eric Bailly gets injured again.

Bonucci would bring everything United fans are so desperate for, and would help get the best out of the younger defenders like Bailly and Victor Lindelof. At 31, Bonucci still has at least two or three world class seasons in him, by which time the aforementioned pair will be ready to take the job full time.

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Just how good is he?

The 80-cap Italy international is one of the best out and out defenders in the world, but is actually much better on the ball than people give him credit for.

First and foremost though, he loves defending, averaging one tackle, 1.5 interceptions and nearly four clearances per game in Serie A last season. That was actually a bad season by his standards, but he shouldn’t be criticised for his performances in an unorganised and underwhelming Milan team.

The 31 year-old’s performances at Euro 2016 were some of the best defensive showings in recent memory, and his intelligence and concentration in dangerous areas would bring an air of calmness to the whole team.

When it comes to his ball playing abilities, you’d be hard pushed to find a more reliable defender, boasting an 86 per cent pass success rate in Serie A last season and averaging a remarkable 7.7 long balls per game.

If Mourinho wants an experienced, commanding leader, who can dominate in the air, bully strikers and also make those around him better, then £30m for Bonucci is an absolute no brainer. In fact, if it means bye bye to Jones and Smalling and gets the best out of Bailly and Lindelof, it could be the Red Devils’ best signing in years.

So, Manchester United fans, would you back a move for Bonucci? Or would you prefer Maguire? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…