Torino defender set for Old Trafford switch
Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal has revealed that Torino full-back Matteo Darmain is set for a medical at the Red Devils.
The Italian international arrived in Manchester earlier this evening, ahead of a medical at the club’s Carrington Training complex, with United keen to complete a swift deal.
25-year-old Darmain said an emotional goodbye to team-mates, and supporters of Turin-based club, in anticipation of his £12.5m move.
Speaking at the unveiling of £25m Dutch international Memphis Depay – Van Gaal confirmed that the club were close to a deal for Darmain.
Van Gaal said: ‘Matteo Darmian, I’ve read that in the papers. That is true,’
When asked whether he would be on his way to Old Trafford, Van Gaal responded: “Yes.”
Van Gaal talks De Gea and Van Persie
With the Darmain deal set to be formailised in the coming days, Van Gaal switched his attention to two players who could be leaving United in the summer transfer window.
Goalkeeper David De Gea and forward Robin Van Persie have both been linked with moves to Real Madrid and Fenerbache respectively.
And Van Gaal played down growing reports that Spanish international De Gea is on the way back to his homeland, in a proposed £25m move to Real.
The 63-year-old Amsterdam native also does not think that speculation from Spanish media will affect his frame of mind, heading into the new Premier League season, which kicks-off on the 8th August.
‘I think he is a very professional player. He showed a fantastic attitude until now, the same as all my players, not just De Gea, but other players. It is also good that Memphis [Depay] does that.
‘It is a difficult period when there are players who might be coming or going, but I cannot complain about the professional attitude of my players.’
He also did not confirm that his compatriot Robin Van Persie, would be leaving to join Turkish Super Lig side, Fenerbache.
‘When we feel that we can say he is gone, you shall hear it from us. And we don’t have the feeling yet,’ the Red Devils boss added.
