Manchester United are planning a move for Torino wing-back Matteo Darmian as an alternative to Daniel Alves, according to reports.
The Mirror, as cited by the Express, claims that United are tempted to shelve their interest in Alves and instead pursue Darmian, who is valued at around €11.2 million.
The 24 year-old burst onto the scene last season with surprise package Torino and earned a place in Italy’s 2014 FIFA World Cup squad.
This term, he has continued to impressed and so far made ten appearances in all competitions for the Granata.
With Alves seven years his senior and likely to command significant wages, the Mirror suggests that Darmian could now be preferred by Head Coach Louis van Gaal.
The Dutchman will likely also be impressed by his versatility – he can play at both full-back and wing-back on both sides, while the possibility of him being a more long-term solution to United’s limited full-back options is a further incentive to switch targets.