How Newcastle really feel about signing Leonardo Bonucci this summer

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Newcastle United want to sign a centre-back this summer, which has led to a shock rumour about Leonardo Bonucci heading to Tyneside.

It was reported in Italy on Thursday that the Magpies could bid for the 36-year-old, with the club weighing up a move for the Juventus superstar.

It was one of those rumours that made you stop and go ‘really?!’, but there would perhaps be some logic behind a deal. While he is in the latter years of his career, he is still an elite defender. If you look at Thiago Silva, he is even older and still performs brilliantly for Chelsea.

He would be another leader on Tyneside, while his presence could help Sandro Tonali settle into life at St James’ Park.

But despite all the positives to signing a veteran like Bonucci, he is not going to be swapping the black and white of Juventus for the black and white of Newcastle.

No Newcastle move for Leonardo Bonucci

According to the Chronicle, Newcastle have not held talks about signing Bonucci this summer. The report adds that Eddie Howe does want to sign a centre-back, but is targeting someone much younger to ‘complement what they already have’.

There is no denying Bonucci’s ability. He has been one of the best defenders of the past decade, and can still perform at the top level.

But there would be no longevity in signing the Italian. He would probably play for a year and leave, then Newcastle are back in the same position they are right now.

Defensively, we are sound. Fabian Schar and Sven Botman have formed a brilliant partnership. What Howe needs is depth with an eye to the future.

That is why he wants a younger right-sided centre-back. The aim will be to snap up Schar’s future replacement, bringing in someone who can challenge the Switzerland international before eventually taking his place. That is why talk of a bid for Trevoh Chalobah makes so much sense.

It would have been crazy seeing Bonucci at St James’ Park, and he probably would have been a good short-term addition. But Newcastle are being sensible and ignoring the temptation to sign veterans with mega reputations.