Rumour: Manchester United agree deal to sign Matteo Darmian from Torino
Manchester United have reportedly struck a deal with Italian side Torino for the signing of right-back Matteo Darmian, according to Sky Sports. Torino had rejected two bids from the Red Devils for the Italian international but have now agreed a fee of £12.7 million for the player.
United were linked with a move for Everton’s Seamus Coleman and Barcelona’s Dani Alves, who eventually signed a contract extension with the Catalans. Van Gaal had earlier missed out on the signature of former Southampton right-back Nathaniel Clyne, who signed for Liverpool in a £12.5 million deal.
The 63-year-old had to play Antonio Valencia as a makeshift right-back during the last season after Rafael da Silva suffered injuries and also an eventual loss of form.
Darmian began his career at AC Milan and made his debut for them at the very young age of 17. He had spells with Padova and Palermo, before ending up in Torino. He proved himself as an emerging wing-back at the club and was included in the 2013/14 Serie A Team of the Year.
The 25-year-old, who can play both the wing-back positions, made his senior debut for Italy in May 2014 and also represented his team at the 2014 World Cup. He has made 13 appearances so far for the Italian national team, and is one of the most in-demand full-backs in the world currently.
Rafael da Silva’s future at Manchester United looks uncertain now
The Italian’s potential signing means Rafael da Silva is on his way out of the club, who has seen his stock fall in the last couple of seasons. The Brazilian played only 11 times for Manchester United in the 2014/15 and three teams – Fiorentina, Napoli and Galatasaray are reported to be interested in signing the former Fluminense player.