Torino's Matteo Darmian (Photo : Reuters)
Torino FC full-back Matteo Darmian is reportedly close to being signed by English club Manchester United to a four-year contract at an undisclosed amount. United will pay Torino a transfer fee of £12.7 million that could increase to as much as £14.4 million depending on the defender's performances, as per the Daily Mail Online.
The 25-year-old Italy international had been with Toro since 2011 where he appeared in a total of 152 games for the Serie A club, scoring six goals in the span.
If the deal pushes through, then it will be the Red Devils' second official transfer this summer after Louis van Gaal acquired Dutch winger Memphis Depay from Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven in May.
The United manager had long been eyeing Darmian particularly after Brazilian defender Rafael had turned down the starting right back position in van Gaal's formation. The Old Trafford giants are currently planning to sell Rafael before the new season begins are now waiting for bidders.
Following a miss on Barca's Dani Alves and retracting on Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne, the team finally found the defensive back that it has been looking for, according to The Guardian.
Darmian is a versatile defender who can play both right and center back. He is full of energy with high tactical awareness and a good on-pitch IQ, which allows him to be an offensive threat as well. His style of play is most often compared to world-renowned Italian defenders Antonio Cabrini and Paolo Maldini.
United's next target would be Southampton's French midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin although The Saints have already turned down van Gaal's initial bid.
