Manchester United lining up £15m bid for Torino’s Matteo Darmian

Matteo Darmian, who excelled at the World Cup with Italy, is reportedly being tracked by Louis van Gaal, whose Manchester United side are odds-on at 8/11 to beat West Brom in their next Premier League outing.

The Red Devils seem to have struggled at right back this season, and with Brazilian incumbent Rafael da Silva often lacking defensive discipline, Torino’s Darmian has been identified, and the club are eyeing a £15m move in January, according to the tabloids.

Darmian has made 11 appearances for the Tuscany team this season in all competitions, also netting a goal in Europa League qualifying, and England fans will remember him tormenting the Three Lions at the World Cup, with his constant right wing probing.

Also known to be strong in the tackle, and intelligent tactically, he could be an ideal signing for United. The club seem to have struggled at right back ever since Gary Neville picked up injuries, forcing him to be subsequently retire, and have since experimented with a number of options, including Wes Brown and John O’Shea before they moved to Sunderland.

Barcelona’s Dani Alves is also said to be one of the names on Van Gaal’s list; however, aged just 24, the Italian is thought to be a better value alternative. The Red Devils signed a number of players in the summer, with Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind, Angel Di Maria, as well as bringing in Radamel Falcao on loan.

Admittedly, these new recruits have taken a considerable amount of time to bed in, though Van Gaal will pleased with how the team is coming together. It could well be the case that the United boss just adds another one or two players in January, and will be hoping that by then, his team have gelled.

At 16/1 to win the title, the Red Devils are third-favourites behind Chelsea and fierce rivals Manchester City, though should United continue to improve and win points, these odds will drop dramatically.