Manchester United Transfer News: Joao Mario Unhappy, Matteo Darmian Rumours

Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario is displeased with his lack of playing time in Serie A, with Manchester United considering an approach for the Portugal international in January, according to reports.

Mario has struggled to make an impression at the San Siro, and Inter director Walter Sabatini recently revealed the player is unhappy.

Speaking to Sky Italia, Sabatini said he hopes the player stays with the club but that the 24-year-old has made it known he wants increased chances to play (h/t Matt Maltby of MailOnline).

"Joao has some issues with the lack of playing time," Sabatini said. "We don't want to lose him. He is our player and we want to keep him."

Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport reported United were considering setting up a swap deal to capture Mario, with either Juan Mata or Henrikh Mkhitaryan moving in the opposite direction (h/t the Daily Star's Andy Wilson).

Here is the player in action:

Mario is a versatile talent and would fit United manager Jose Mourinho's setup through the midfield areas.

The former Sporting CP man can feature in a deeper role but has the creativity to play on either flank or as a withdrawn attacker.

He would be a suitable squad addition if Mata or Mkhitaryan were shown the Theatre of Dreams exit door.

It has been a frustrating season for Mkhitaryan, who showed much promise once he commanded a starting place last term.

However, the former Borussia Dortmund star has failed to live up to expectations, and it is clear Mourinho favours a number of players to him.

It is questionable whether Mario is in good enough form to be on United's radar, and he has lacked performance value when featuring in an Inter shirt, per Cristiano Acconci of WhoScored.com:

In other Red Devils news, Matteo Darmian could be on his way back to Italy after falling out of favour under Mourinho.

The full-back featured as United crashed out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, losing 2-1 against Bristol City.

According to Metro, United fans were hugely disappointed with the defender's display, and it is reported Darmian could depart the club for Inter or Napoli.

GEOFF CADDICK/Getty Images

The player impressed in his opening games after arriving from Torino in 2015, but he has failed to hold down a regular starting berth in either full-back position.

The Italy international lacks the ability to play wing-back well, and this has seen him remain on the fringes of the team this season, as Mourinho has frequently plumped for a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Darmian has started only twice in the Premier League this term, and he could be deemed surplus to requirements during the winter.

The 28-year-old could excel back in his homeland in a traditional defence, with the fire and bluster of English football not allowing him to demonstrate his strengths.