Massive: Mourinho’s favourite United star all set to leave, Italian giants to make January raid
Sep 5, 2016 at 9:19 AM
Italian champions Juventus are reportedly eyeing up Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian as a replacement for Stephan Lichsteiner. Italian daily Tuttosport has claimed that the Juventus star is contemplating the idea of moving to Serie A rivals Inter Milan and so Juventus are on look out for a defender.
The arrival of Brazil international Dani Alves from Barcelona has seen Lichsteiner falling down the pecking order and his time at Turin looks as good as over. The report claimed that the Switzerland international, who is in the final year of his contract with the Italian champions, is hoping to remain in Italy and prefers a move to Inter Milan.
Lichsteiner’s plans have reportedly angered Juve and as a result the 32-year-old was left out of Juventus’ Champions League squad.
Darmian has emerged as the top target for Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri. The manager could also consider AC Milan’s Mattia De Sciglio if the deal fails.
Darmian, who represented United in 39 matches last term, has fallen out of favour with United boss Jose Mourinho and is yet to feature for the Red Devils this season. Mourinho is preferring Antonio Valencia at right-back which has put huge doubts over the future of Italy international at Old Trafford. And Valencia’s impressive performance means Darmian will find it really tough to get into the playing eleven. Inter even made a bid for him in the summer transfer window but United rejected their offer.