According to reports from Italy, Juventus and Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci has rejected two transfer offers from English champions Manchester City. Bonucci, 32, has been linked with a move to the Etihad in recent weeks and this has been confirmed by the local media in Italy.

Goal Italia reports that the Citizens have made a new offer for the Juventus defender following previous proposals earlier in the season. Man City boss Pep Guardiola is a big fan of the Italian international and he has identified him as an option ahead of next season.

Bonucci is believed to be happy at Turin and there is little to suggest that he would be open to a transfer away from the club in the summer. He recently renewed his contract at the club and has expressed his desire to retire with the Old Lady.

Manchester City defensive problems are well documented. The cub has been linked with a host of options in recent weeks. Kalidou Koulibaly has been continuously linked with the Etihad, but they have failed to reach an agreement with Napoli for the Senegal international.

Bayern Munich ace Jerome Boeteng and rising Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano have also been linked as potential targets. The Citizen lost Aymeric Laporte to an early season injury. The French man only made his comeback in January. His fitness has been a big concern for the club. He was also substituted in a match against Leicester City in March but manager Gurdiola stated that it wasn’t a serious injury.

The Citizens are miles behind Liverpool in the EPL table, a whopping 25 points off the Reds. Former Man City midfielder Gareth Barry has stated that the club needs to sort their defense if they are to close the gap with Liverpool.