Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Juan Mata and Matteo Darmian

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata is reportedly wanted by Valencia, while AS Roma are said to be keen on full-back Matteo Darmian.

Valencia would be happy to bring Mata back to the Mestalla Stadium on a free transfer after his contract expires in the summer, per Paul Hetherington at the Daily Star Sunday.

The Red Devils do have the option to extend his contract by an extra year but are yet to do so, meaning he could become a free agent.

Mata rose to prominence at Valencia before moving to Chelsea in 2011 and then on to United in 2014. Although United have yet to extend his contract, it would be a huge surprise if they allowed a player of his standing to walk away for free.

The Spain international has played a key role for United this season and made 19 Premier League appearances, with three goals and three assists. However, the potential arrival of Alexis Sanchez may spell bad news for him.

Mata has largely been used on the right wing for United, but that has been a problem position for the club, per Samuel Luckhurst at the Manchester Evening News:

The 29-year-old is probably the player most in danger of losing his place if Sanchez does arrive as Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard have both been in impressive form. The former has three goals and two assists in his last four outings, while the latter has seven goals and four assists in the Premier League this season.

Football writer Liam Canning explained why Mata could lose his place:

However, the Spaniard's experience and creativity are difficult to replace, and United are often at their best when the former Chelsea man is at his peak. His future at the club may well be influenced on whether Sanchez does arrive at Old Trafford and how manager Jose Mourinho manages to incorporate the Chile international best into his lineup.

Meanwhile, Darmian is unwanted at Old Trafford, and Roma are interested in taking him on loan for the rest of the season, according to Simon Mullock at the Sunday Mirror.

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AC Milan, Juventus and Valencia are also interested, but United's preference is for a permanent move and they want £17 million for the Italy international.

The 28-year-old has started just two Premier League games for Mourinho's side this season and seems to have little future at Old Trafford. However, United's asking price may prove too steep for a player who has barely featured this term.

Darmian is a versatile defender and would surely be open to a move to gain more regular playing time. Doing a deal with United may prove tough, but a loan switch with an option to buy may offer a solution.