Manchester United 'agree fee' for Matteo Darmian - but who is he and would he be a success?

According to reports on Tuesday afternoon, United have clinched an £8 million deal for Darmian, who impressed when starting all of Italy’s group matches at the World Cup last summer.

Torino president Urban Cairo told La Stampa: “Everyone who comes to the pre-season training camp will remain with us for the rest of the season.

“Sunday will be the deadline. Three offers have arrived for Darmian, but out of respect for the clubs who have made them, I won’t reveal who they are. Darmian is an extraordinary player who will want to try and win the Champions League one day.”

United are said to be frontrunners for the signature of the versatile defender. But what kind of player would they be getting?

We asked Alessandro Brunetti from our Italian office for his expert analysis…

According Italian transfer specialists, the deal is very close. United offered €15 million (£10.6m) (+€3m of bonuses), but Torino will sell him only for €20m (€18+2m could be the final price).

Yes, indeed, we thought that he could leave Torino as early last summer. Bayern Munich, Roma and Napoli were the most interested teams, so United is a big surprise from our point of view because we didn’t think that Darmian would be a contender to join Van Gaal’s project.

Yes, Napoli but they are very close to Sime Vrsaljko, who plays for Sassuolo.

He can play both left-back and right-back, and has good quality with both feet; a multitasking player. He is perfect for Van Gaal’s strategy because can play in a three- or four-man defence. He is fast, with good technique and with much experience thanks to his role with the Italian national team. He is one of the best defensive assisters in Serie A.

Good question. He played for AC Milan in his early years, but it is with Torino that he has become a player of international class. Moreover, Torino have never wanted sell him for less than €20m, so Italian teams preferred to invest in other players, often foreigners.

Yes. He has the personality to play in a big team like United, has over 100 appearances in Serie A and is a serious and professional player.

He isn’t Balotelli, there aren't many gossip stories about him. Sorry! As I said, he is a sensible boy.