Manchester United Transfer News: Matteo Darmian Requests Move, Fresh Rumours

Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian has reportedly asked manager Jose Mourinho to let him leave Old Trafford to join Juventus this summer.

According to Alvise Cagnazzo in The Sun, Juventus see Darmian as the ideal replacement for the outgoing Dani Alves, and they would take him initially on loan with an option to make the deal permanent for £17.5 million after a year.

Cagnazzo added the Italy international has requested the move because he is eager to secure more game time with the 2018 FIFA World Cup just a year away.

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Darmian, 27, enjoyed a good end to the 2016-17 season and performed brilliantly at left-back as United beat Ajax 2-0 in the UEFA Europa League final.

However, in the main, he was starved of game time in the campaign, starting just 15 of United's 38 Premier League games and playing in a number of positions across the back line.

The former Torino player's versatility is likely one of the reasons Juve are keen on signing him, as he can play as a conventional full-back or as a wing-back.

Bianconeri boss Massimiliano Allegri has played around with his defensive shape during his three years with the club, with both three- and four-at-the-back formations having proved effective.

Meanwhile, as Cagnazzo noted, Alves looks destined to leave Juventus.

As a result, Darmian would likely be a useful addition at Juventus and could become a regular starter, which isn't likely to be a guarantee at United next season.