Manchester City will return with an increased offer for Leonardo Bonucci, according to The Telegraph.

City lodged an opening bid of £38.6million, which Juventus rejected, but it is understood that Pep Guardiola is determined to lure the centre-half and will return with a better proposal.

Guardiola is intent on improving City's defence which was suspect at times under Manuel Pelegrini last season and desperately wants a player such as Bonucci to marshal the backline.

The Spanish tactician is a known admirer of the 29-year-old Italy international and would love to work with him at the Etihad Stadium but may have to pay as much as £50m for his services.

Bonucci has four years to run on his current Juve deal and Max Allegri is not about to let him leave for anything less than he is worth.