Serie A giants Juventus are plotting a move for Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian. According to recent reports in the English media, the Italian champions want to take the Red Devils right-back on loan with a view of a permanent deal in the summer. With both their defenders, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah out of contract at the end of the season, the Bianconeri are in dire need to bolster their defensive options in the January transfer window.
The Italian club has made an opening 12-month loan offer from the end of the season with the obligation to buy him for £19.25m after a year. However, the Red Devils are unwilling to let him go out on loan and are demanding a straight cash deal of £26.5m. Darmian has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford this season and lost his place in Jose Mourinho’s starting eleven to Antonio Valencia. He is eager to move back to Italy with Juventus willing to provide him with an escape route out of Manchester. The Italian defender has previously played under Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri during their time at AC Milan.
The 28-year-old right-back has only made 12 appearances for United this season with just one assist to his name. With the Italian set to depart the club soon, let’s take a look at three replacements for the Red Devils to consider in the near future.
Bruno Peres
The 27-year-old AS Roma right-back has been solid at the back for AS Roma this season. The Brazilian defender has featured in 16 matches for the Italian side this term across all competitions so far. He would be the perfect second-fiddle to Antonio Valencia and has the ability to break into their first-team in the near future if the Red Devils opted to bring him to Old Trafford.
Seamus Coleman
The Everton defender has not featured for the Toffees this season after spending a long time on the sidelines due to an injury. However, he is slowly returning to full fitness and United could look to secure his services in the near future and take a chance on the Republic of Ireland international. Coleman has a wealth of experience in the Premier League, having made 247 appearances for the Toffees, scoring 24 goals and making 24 assists during his career in Merseyside.
Mario Gaspar
The Villarreal CF right-back has been in fine form this season and has made 21 appearances for the La Liga club, scoring a goal and providing an assist in all competitions. He could be an ideal asset under Mourinho at Old Trafford if given a chance to prove himself in English football.
