Juventus are in “advanced negotiations” with Manchester United over the future of full-back Matteo Darmian, 29, reports the Guardian.
An initial loan deal until the end of the season will include an option to buy for €8m during the summer transfer window. The move is complicated by Darmian’s contract expiring at the end of the season. United would take up the option of a one-year extension so they receive the transfer fee.
Darmian will move to the Juventus Stadium for a €3m loan fee with the perennial Italian champions keen to add the adaptable defender to their squad as they push for the Serie A and Champions League double.
Signed from Torino, Darmian never became a first-team regular under Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with the United hierarchy making it clear they would not be extending his deal under normal circumstances.
However, Juventus’ interest means they can have their cake and eat it with the one-year option being taken up.
During his three-and-a-half years at Old Trafford, he made 59 Premier League appearances and earned 27 Italy caps. With other competitions, he barely passed 100 appearances in 42 months, less than the total he made for Torino in four years than the club.
