Benfica in talks with Man Utd to sign full-back

Benfica have begun negotiations with Manchester United over Italian defender Matteo Darmian according to the Mirror. The Portuguese side are keen on a permanent transfer, a move which United would prefer over any loan deal.

Jose Mourinho is willing to sell Darmian, a player who does not feature in his plans ahead of the new campaign.

Darmian is valued at around £15 million, and would ideally prefer to move back to Italy to play in the Serie A. However, the 28-year-old would be willing to listen to other offers such as Benfica if his £70,000 a week wages were to be met. Benfica have previously already failed in a bid to sign the player in January.

READ MORE: Mourinho reveals Matteo Darmian wants to leave Man Utd

The fullback was involved heavily in United’s pre-season campaign due to the injuries of captain Antonio Valencia and new signing Diogo Dalot. Still, we must not forget Darmian has struggled to cement a first-team place at Old Trafford since arriving from Torino in 2015.

“I want to play more regularly, last season I didn’t play much but that’s my objective and ambition,” said Darmian in a recent interview, “That’s why I have spoke with the club about my future. I want to leave but I do not know what will happen.”

Benfica’s offer comes a week after United rejected a season-long loan offer from Serie A side Napoli for Darmian. AC Milan also held an interest in the player but baulked at United’s asking price.

Darmian still has two years left on his current deal at the club and any deal would have to be accelerated quickly with only six days of the summer window remaining.

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