Leonardo Bonucci is in talks over a surprise summer move to Newcastle, according to reports in Italy.
The 36-year-old defender recently announced his intentions to retire at the end of next season following a 18-year career featuring nine Serie A titles and a European Championship with Italy.
Bonucci, who made 16 appearances in the league last season, currently has 12 months left on his current deal at Serie A side Juventus, although there have been long-standing plans to 'separate' before 2024.
So where will he play in the coming months? According to the Italian publication Calciomercato, the experienced centre-back is ready to evaluate offers from a top league after snubbing interest from Saudi Arabia and the MLS.
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He is now looking for 'one last opportunity' before hanging up his boots.
And to the surprise of many, Newcastle are reportedly interested in making a deal happen. In fact, there has already been a meeting to discuss a potential deal, according to Calciomercato.
No concrete offer has been made but the Premier League club are currently making an assessment in regards to the ‘economic, technical, physical and motivational' conditions of a deal.
Here's how fans on social media reacted to the Bonucci transfer links.
One said: "If he was willing to play as squad player with reasonable wages then his experience alone of winning trophies could be a useful asset for a year. However I can’t see this happening."
A second wrote: "I mean it wouldn’t be a horrendous stop gap for one season if we can’t afford to sign a new centre back. Great rotation option for all the additional games next season."
A third added: "People shunning Bonucci for us. Think he’d be a fantastic signing. Look at Thiago Silva at Chelsea."
As mentioned earlier, Bonucci revealed his decision to retire in 2024, although a move to Newcastle may well scupper those plans.
Speaking to Juventus' YouTube channel to mark his 500th appearance for the Old Lady, he said: "When I stop playing next year, it will be the end of a defensive era, a way of defending Italian style.
"It's a source of pride to be up there with the greatest. I hope lots of future defenders just as we had Baresi, Maldini, Nesta, Cannavaro, will see us four as idols.
"It would mean we have achieved a lot and given the game a lot."
Thoughts on Newcastle going for Bonucci? Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Leonardo Bonucci, Juventus, Italy, Transfers
Jack Kenmare