Matteo Darmian to Manchester United: Italy defender agrees four-year contract as move inches closer to completion

Darmian will join United for a reported £12.7m

Matteo Darmian is believed to be in talks with Manchester United (Getty Images)

Manchester United have agreed terms with Torino defender Matteo Darmian ahead of his proposed £12.7m move to the Premier League, with the fee potentially rising to £14.4m depending on his performances.

News emerged on Tuesday that United had lodged an official offer with the Serie A side to sign the Italy defender, who was chosen as the national team’s player of 2014 following his impressive breakthrough season for the Azzurri.

United are keen to strengthen their defence following their troubles at the back last season that saw injuries and poor form cost them dearly in both the start and the second half of the season.

With Brazilian defender Rafael facing the Old Trafford exit as Galatasaray show significant interest, United manager Louis van Gaal looks to have finally got his man having seen Darmian agree to a four-year contract worth around £30,000-a-week.

Darmian was seen to wave to the Torino fans (Getty Images)

Having missed out on Dani Alves after he signed a new improved contract with Barcelona, United switched targets and identified Darmian as their priority after choosing not to make a move for Southampton right-back Nathanial Clyne, who has since joined Liverpool.

As part of the move for 25-year-old Darmian, his former club AC Milan will also receive 5 per cent of the transfer fee which is set to come to £287,000.

United also want to sign Ramos (AFP)

Darmian can also cover at centre-back, but it’s believed that Van Gaal sees his future on the flank and United’s interest in Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos supports this, although whether United can structure a deal for Ramos remains to be seen as Real hold firm in not allowing the Spaniard to leave.