Manchester United are near to completing their second signing of the summer with Torino's Matteo Darmian joining the club, according to his manager and Daily Mail reports.
Torino boss Giampiero Ventura said that “Darmian will play in the Champions League with Manchester United" and that "it’s a dream for him. Darmian deserves a top club like Manchester United.”
Darmian will signs long term deal with Manchester United
The Italian full-back is said to have signed a four year deal with United, with an option for an additional year at the end of his reported £30,000 per week deal.
At 25 years old, he is seen as a long term replacement for Rafael Da Silva in the right-back position, who Louis van Gaal sees as not having the defensive qualities required to be a starter at Old Trafford.
A fee of just £13 million is a bargain compared to last summer's purchase of Luke Shaw for £30 million and United fans will be delighted that there is money left for a big name this summer.
United wanted deal wrapped up in time for pre-season tour
Memphis Depay's £25 million move to United was confirmed in May before his presentation came in June. Darmian's transfer was sped up due to van Gaal's desire to bring him on the tour of the United States of America that begins on July 18th, against Club America.
Darmian played 33 times in Serie A last season, at both right-back and left-back, showing his versatility; something van Gaal has always loved in his players.
He also played ten times in the Europa League for Torino as they were knocked out in the Round of 16 by Zenit St Petersburg.
Darmian fills priority role set by van Gaal
Louis van Gaal had a priority during this summer transfer window of a right-back, a centre-back and a central midfielder. Darmian fills the first role at a cheap price and the Dutchman will now be looking to bring in a midfielder and central defender to make the checklist complete.
Morgan Schneiderlin has been heavily linked with a move, with United just needing to pay the asking price of £25 million that Southampton have set. Meanwhile, Sergio Ramos and Nicolas Otamendi are said to be very close to a move to Old Trafford, but reports have been contradictory since the two centre-backs were linked with United.
According to The Telegraph, Darmain confirmed he is leaving Turin on Instagram. However, the player then said this post was not true on his official Twitter account.
Ragazzi, non ho un account Instagram. Quelli che vedete a mio nome sono fake! Seguitemi qui: https://t.co/NDYCHzWo51 https://t.co/J3WqSwOlr4
— Matteo Darmian (@DarmianOfficial) julio 8, 2015