Gilardino wanted Juventus move, says Bonucci

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has revealed that fellow Italy international Alberto Gilardino told him he was keen to join the Serie A champions earlier this summer.

The 31-year-old Genoa striker was on the verge of a move to the Turin giants in the closing stages of the transfer window, but the transfer eventually fell through for unknown reasons.

"Gila has told me that he would have been very pleased to join Juventus," Bonucci was quoted as saying by Tuttosport.

"It's a shame that he didn't sign for Juventus in the end. He would have been another option for us.

"His arrival would have been convenient for [Antonio] Conte."

Gilardino has a contract with Genoa until June 2016.