Man Utd play hardball with Juventus over Matteo Darmian as club awaits serious transfer bid
Juventus have been told to come back with a serious offer for Matteo Darmian if they want to sign the Manchester United defender before Thursday’s deadline.
The Italian champions have been in talks with United over the right back – who they would like to sign on loan.
United – who have triggered a one-year option on Darmian’s contract – want any deal to be a permanent transfer, but are in no rush to sell.
Talks with Juve have stalled to the point that the Italian is expecting to remain at Old Trafford until the end of the season at least.
A substantial bid from Juve could resurrect the move this month.
United will expect to recoup a large part of the £12.7m paid Torino for Darmian in 2015 – knowing that the 12-month extension on his contract gives them ample breathing room to negotiate with interested parties in the summer.
Man United squad 2019-20 | Injuries, contracts and squad numbers
But there is no desperation to cash in on a player who has proved himself a useful member of their squad, capable of playing in either full back role or as a central defender.
Darmian, himself, wants to return to Italy, but has impressed United insiders with his professionalism, despite his determination to leave.
