Juventus are reportedly interested in a January move for out-of-favour Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian.
Italian publication Tuttosport have claimed that Juventus are plotting a January transfer for Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian. With Jose Mourinho preferring Antonio Valencia as the first-choice right-back, the Italian international seems to be out of favour at Old Trafford and could be set for a return to Serie A.
Matteo Darmian arrived at Manchester United under Louis van Gaal and was hailed as a bargain buy by a lot of pundits and fans around the world as the defender demonstrated his awareness and defensive solidity while also being an able attacker while going forward.
The change in managerial duties at Manchester United has seen the Italian fall down the pecking order as Jose Mourinho has chosen to start with Antonio Valencia at the right-back position. The Ecuadorian looks set to own that position for a while owing to his recent impressive displays.
Darmian was strongly linked with a move away from Manchester United in the recently concluded transfer window, with the likes of Barcelona, Juventus and a host of Serie A clubs including Roma and Napoli interested in securing the services of the player. Manchester United reportedly even rejected an approach from Inter Milan on deadline day.
However, Juventus are reportedly ready to reignite their interest in the 26-year-old as long-term first-choice Stephan Lichtsteiner, who has been displaced by Dani Alves, is interested in moving to Inter Milan. The Bianconeri are ready to make a bid for Darmian when the January window opens, according to Tuttosport.
The move could prove beneficial for both Darmian and Manchester United, as it would give the player a better chance of regular first team football in the league in which he rose to prominence with Torino.
Manchester United, on the other hand, would be able to move Timothy Fosu-Mensah up the pecking order as Jose Mourinho reportedly wants the Netherlands youngster to develop his skills as a right-back going forward. Also, the Red Devils may still be eager to secure a deal for AS Monaco’s Fabinho, which would further diminish Darmian’s chances of securing a regular spot in the starting lineup in the near future.
It would be interesting to see if Matteo Darmian is able to change Jose Mourinho’s mind in the opportunities he gets before the opening of the January transfer window. If not, the Italian could be forced to accept a move to the Serie A.
