BARCELONA are reportedly lining up a shock swoop for Manchester United outcast Matteo Darmian.
Mundo Deportivo claims the versatile defender is on a shortlist to provide cover for left-back Jordi Alba this season.
Barca boss Ernesto Valverde is currently trying to sign Real Betis youngster Junior Firpo as a long-term replacement for Alba.
But the La Liga champs can’t afford to meet his £54million release clause this summer after splashing the cash on a number of players, including £107m striker Antoine Griezmann.
And with Bayern Munich’s David Alaba also out of the question for the same reason, Barca are now exploring cheaper, short-term options for the secondary left-back spot.
That’s led transfer scouts to Darmian, who has just one year left on his Man United contract.
The Italy international, 29, is way down the pecking order under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer despite his ability to play on either flank.
And it’s reckoned he will be allowed to leave for less than £9m before deadline day next month.
However, Barcelona will need to act quickly as Juventus are also interested.
Joao Cancelo remains a target for Manchester City, and Maurizio Sarri feels Darmian would do an adequate job in Turin for a year or two.
Source: Read Full Article