Newcastle United transfer target Juventus centre-back Leonardo Bonucci is attracting interest from Serie B outfit Sampdoria, it has been claimed in Italy.
The Italian defender has become surplus to requirements for the Old Lady and they are keen to offload him during the ongoing summer transfer window.
The 36-year-old has recently been linked with Eddie Howe’s Newcastle as a potential arrival at St James’ Park.
The Magpies will be playing in the upcoming Champions League campaign and they are looking to add depth to their backline; Bonucci’s name has emerged in recent weeks.
Now, according to Italian daily Il Secolo XIX (via TuttoJuve), recently-relegated Italian outfit Sampdoria are keen on signing the Juventus defender.
It has been claimed if a move for Bonucci to the Serie B outfit materialises, the Old Lady would need to pay the lion’s share of his salary.
Sampdoria boss Andrea Pirlo’s past relationship with the Turin giants is suggested to be crucial in the negotiations.
Bonucci has recently been offered to Roma by his agent, however, the Rome outfit have shown little interest in adding him to their squad.
It remains to be seen if Newcastle will step up their interest in Bonucci in the upcoming days with Sampdoria’s concrete interest in him.