Matteo Darmian to Manchester United: Torino defender to undergo medical in England today ahead of sealing £12.7m move to Old Trafford

Darmian is close to sealing a transfer to Old Trafford after a fee was agreed with Italian side Torino

Matteo Darmian (GETTY IMAGES)

Matteo Darmian's move to Manchester United took a step closer after the Torino defender agreed to undergo a medical with the Premier League club on Friday ahead of a £12.7m transfer.

United are eager to secure the Italy international, who was named last year’s Italian national team’s player of the season, in a bid to replace right-back Rafael. Having suffered with injuries and a drop in form that saw him fall out of favour with manager Louis van Gaal, Rafael looks to be on his way out of the club with Galatasaray reported to be leading the race to land the Brazilian.

News broke last week that United had lodged a £12.7m offer for Darmian that was accepted by the Serie A club, with personal negotiations beginning on Wednesday that is said to have seen Darmian offered a four-year deal at Old Trafford.

According to Sky Italia, Darmian will arrive in England tomorrow to undergo a medical with the club ahead of sealing the move, possibly before the weekend, should final negotiations go smoothly between the two parties.

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 have been linked with Sergio Ramos (Getty Images)

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.