Manchester United close in on signing of Torino defender Matteo Darmian after Louis van Gaal decides Rafael is not good enough
- Manchester United are in discussions with Torino over Matteo Darmian
- Louis van Gaal has decided the Brazilian Rafael is not up to the job
- It is believed United are hopeful of reaching an agreement of around £11m
- Darmian is an Italian defender with 13 international caps to his name
Manchester United are closing in on the signing of right-sided defender Matteo Darmian after discussions with Italian club Torino reached an advanced stage.
United are in need of a player who can play right back after manager Louis van Gaal decided the Brazilian Rafael is not up to the job.
It is understood that United have been negotiating with Torino over 25-year-old Darmian and are hopeful of reaching an agreement in the region of £11million.
Matteo Darmian (right) scores past Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon while playing for Torino in April
Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign the Torino right back, who also plays for Italy (pictured left)
Darmian is an Italian international with 13 caps and at almost 6ft tall would help Van Gaal with probems he identified last season in terms of the relatively small composition of his team.
Speaking last season, Van Gaal said: 'In set plays, it is very difficult but that is because of the height of the team - maybe you can advise me to buy tall players.'
Van Gaal is hoping to offload Rafael before the start of the new season and will also listen to offers for central defender Jonny Evans who has not been offered a new contract.
Darmian puts in a tackle while on international duty with Italy in June; United are closing in on his signature
Louis van Gaal (left) and former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson played golf at a charity day
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