Manchester United are ready to make a move for Torino right-back Matteo Darmian if they fail in attempts to sign Dani Alves.
The 24 year-old has been linked with Liverpool in the past, and it appears that Louis Van Gaal has grown in admiration for the Italian international.
Reports this week have suggested that United have reached a premliminary agreement with Barcelona right-back Dani Alves to sign him next summer, but are also looking to Darmain as an alternative.
Van Gaal has had Darmian watched on several occasions this season as he looks to bring in an alternative to Rafael, and is ready to offer up to £15 million pounds for the player.
Van Gaal is well aware that he needs to strengthen at the back as soon as possible, meaning a January move is on the cards, although the Dutch boss is also believed to be hopeful of bringing in a centre back and defensive midfielder in the near future.
By Ollie Brown
