Manchester United are close to signing Torino star Matteo Darmian, reports the BBC.
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However, with many Red Devils fans not knowing much about the Serie A star, here are some facts they can brush up on before he is announced…
10) Scouted by former Inter Milan star… for AC Milan
From Rescaldina in Lombardy, and was scouted as a youngster by former Nerazzurri star Beniamino Abate. The ex-goalkeeper was actually looking for talent for San Siro rivals AC!
9) Age and height
The defender is now coming in to his prime at 25-years-old, and is an average height for a full-back at 5ft 11.
8) Italy from a young age
Darmian has represented the Azzurri at Under 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21 levels, in all making 31 appearances for the various youth teams.
7) Started as a centre-back
Now a right-back, the defender actually started in the middle with the Rossoneri. Obviously it wasn’t his best role, as he only made six appearances for the Milanese.
6) Relegation battle
Darmian has experience of playing in pressure situations from a young age, helping Padova to avoid relegation through a play-off game while on loan there when just 20-years-old.
5) Palermo
He did enough while on loan to earn the interest of the Sicilian side, who made a co-ownership bid which was accepted. The Italian played 16 games in his one season there.
4) Arrival in Torino
Originally the Turin based team got the player on loan in 2011, before co-owning in 2012 and eventually fully signing in 2013. The right-back has proven an astute purchase for just under €3 million, making 152 appearances over the last four years.
3) Helping them to new heights
Not only has the defender been a regular for the Italian outfit, but he also scored the all important winner against Athletic Bilbao to take them to the last 16 of the Europa League last season. It was the icing on the cake of their best campaign since going bankrupt in 2005.
2) Italy regular
Since making his debut on 31 May 2014 the right-back has become a regular, accumulating 13 caps for the national team.
1) Best Italy player of 2014
Darmian has done so well on the international stage in fact, that he won the Pallone Azzurro in early 2015. It is the prize given to the best Azzurri player of the past 12 months.