Manchester City are keen on signing Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci this summer, according to the Corriere Dello Sport.

The Italian publication reports that City have made “direct contact” with Juve about signing the 32-year-old.

Pep Guardiola’s side reportedly failed in their attempts to sign Bonucci back in 2016, but things could be different this time around.

Juventus are on the verge of signing Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax and that could lead to the Italian international having limited game time next season.

Bonucci only returned to the Bianconeri a year ago after a brief spell with AC Milan, but the Serie A champions could look to offload the centre-back.

In 2016, Juve could have sold the defender to City for €60m (£54m), and it is believed a similar fee will be demanded for the player three years later

City are looking for a leader to replace captain Vincent Kompany, who has left the Etihad Stadium to become player manager at Anderlecht.