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Manchester United's negotiations with Tottenham over Toby Alderweireld are at an impasse so it is no surprise they have been linked with another established central defender.

AC Milan captain Leonardo Bonucci, 31, has apparently emerged as a possible option to reinforce Jose Mourinho's defence amid financial insecurity at the Rossoneri.

Bonucci's stock has plummeted, what with playing for the worst Milan side (and Italy national team) in living memory but, under a coach with a track record for improving defenders, he could get a new lease of life at United. Mourinho was actually keen on Bonucci two years ago, back when the former Juventus enforcer was wanted by City.

The MEN revealed last month United had opened talks with Spurs about a possible £55million deal for Alderweireld, 29, but their offer is around £20m short of Tottenham's asking price, which has caused an impasse.

From Tottenham's perspective, Alderweireld's ability is comparable with Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, who became the world's most expensive defender in a £75m January move. Their stance is that they are entitled to hold out more but, realistically, no club will bid in excess of the £55m United are prepared to part with and Tottenham know that.

Bonucci's Milan contract runs until 2022 and only cost them £35.1million a year ago. Bonucci, who captained Italy against France earlier this month, does seem reluctant to leave his homeland, given he should have moved abroad rather than to the sinking Milan ship a year ago.

The Marouane Fellaini news hardly anyone wants could become a reality. Belgian newspaper HLN reports the 30-year-old will sign a two-year extension before his current contract expires on midnight on Saturday.

Fellaini has already said he will make an announcement on his future on July 1 (this Sunday) and if United actually announce an existing player's contract extension just as the previous terms have expired then it is PR on a par with the 'impostors' farce in Spain nearly five years ago.

United offered Fellaini a new contract in September and, after nine injury-prone months in which his popularity has plummeted (again), he could actually ink one.

HLN reports 'Fellaini remains loyal to Manchester United' and 'feels at home in Manchester'. If he does stay then the reality is he cannot have had many good offers and has overestimated himself. Which maybe makes it worse that United would still leave their offer on the table.

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