Chelsea are about to make a major bid for Leonardo Bonucci, who will only consider leaving if the Bianconeri accept it,

So far, the Pensioners are preparing a bid in the region of

55 million, far short of the

70m that Manchester City offered last summer. The Citizens are still in the race, too.

The Blues are also ready to offer yearly wages of

7.5 million to the Italian international, who has always been tempted by a move to the Premier League.

He isn’t considered to be unsellable by the Bianconeri either, but they want something like the

70m that City offered.

Conte and Bonucci’s entourage have spoken on numerous occasions, as have agent Alessandro Lucci and the Blues. Lucci himself flew to London in the last few days.

Bonucci is ready to listen to offers, as Coach Conte is ready to sit down and negotiate.

The 30-year-old is considered to be one of Europe’s best defenders, and was once described by Pep Guardiola as his favourite centre-back.

@NicolaBalice