Newcastle United ‘hold talks’ with Italian titan as hunt for centre-back takes unexpected turn

Eddie Howe's pursuit of a centre-back could lead Newcastle United to make a move for Italian veteran Leonardo Bonucci this window.

The Magpies have secured a Champions League-quality midfielder in Sandro Tonali and now a centre-back appears to be a priority for Howe as he prepares for the upcoming season.

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen in recent weeks but now the club may turn their attentions once again to Italy.

Howe has already worked with one Serie A team this summer to secure Tonali from AC Milan and now Juventus centre-back Leonardo Bonucci has emerged as an option according to Calciomercato.

The 36-year-old is a well-known face thanks to his illustrious career and has won nine Serie A titles with Juventus and AC Milan, as well as Euro 2020 with Italy.

The star also has a wealth of Champions League experience thanks to his time at the Italian giants. He was part of the Juventus runner-up side in 2015 and 2017 but has never lifted the cup himself.

Nine years older than Andersen, Bonucci wouldn't be a long-term investment from Howe but could be a third option alongside Sven Botman and Fabian Schar ahead of a busier fixture calendar with Champions League involvement.

Bonucci has just one year left on his contract at Juventus and it is reported that the club could look to cash in this summer with Newcastle United interested.

The defender's agent is ready to hear offers from the club with a move to Saudi Arabia or the MLS ruled out. Bonucci is looking 'for one last opportunity' at a big club in his career and a meeting with the Magpies is believed to have been held.

No concrete offer has been made by Newcastle United as internal assessments over the feasibility of the move continue.