OPINION
With Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian reportedly looking to leave the club this summer, Newcastle United must make him their primary target.
As reported by the Mirror, Darmian is hoping to leave Old Trafford this summer in search of regular first-team football, having only made eight Premier League appearances in the whole of last season.
That is why Newcastle should go all out to try and tempt Darmian to St. James Park this summer.
It was never going to work out for the Italian defender at Manchester United. The 28-year-old, who currently earns £45,000-per-week (Spotrac), is a rugged full-back who loves to defend rather than attack, and his real skills lie in disrupting the opposition rather than destroying them.
For a club like Manchester United, who constantly play on the front foot and keep possession of the ball against almost any team in the league, they didn’t really have a need for a defender like that.
Of course, he is a real Jose Mourinho style player, in that he works very hard for the team and stops the other team playing; he can man mark people out of the game and neutralise their threat.
However, for Newcastle, he would be a great signing. Toon boss Rafael Benitez would love his defensive discipline, the way he tracks his man and keeps his shape in the system at all times. Like any good Italian defender, he has great concentration levels and is very effective at what he does.
With the former Torino full-back reportedly looking for first-team football, the Magpies could offer him that, he would be one of the first names on the teamsheet every week if he was to make the switch.
Toon owner Mike Ashley may not sanction a permanent move with a transfer fee, even if it was reasonable, so a loan deal would suit all parties and Darmian would get the football he wants.