Manchester City 'considering £51m Leonardo Bonucci bid'

Juventus' defender Leonardo Bonucci celebrates after scoring during the Italian Serie A football match Juventus vs Lazio at 'Juventus Stadium' in Turin on April 18, 2015
© Getty Images
Manchester City are reportedly considering an improved £51m bid for Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci having seen an initial £38m offer rejected.

Manchester City are considering an improved £51m offer for Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, according to reports.

Speculation earlier today claimed that the Italian champions had turned down a £38m bid for the 29-year-old, with new City boss Pep Guardiola known to be a keen admirer.

The Guardian now claims that the Premier League side are mulling over whether to return with an improved offer, which would make Bonucci the most expensive defender in football history.

Juventus are unwilling to sell the Italy international, who has helped the club to five consecutive Serie A titles, but a world-record fee for a defender could prove too good to turn down.

City are understood to be in the market for a new centre-back following Martin Demichelis's departure and due to Vincent Kompany's injuries problems in recent seasons.

Leonardo Bonucci scores during the game between Juventus and Hellas Verona on January 6, 2016
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