Juventus step up interest in Manchester United defender

Juventus have switched their attention back to signing Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian, claims The Daily Mail.

The Serie A giants have made signing a new right-back a priority this summer with Stephan Lichtsteiner set to leave on a free transfer.

Juventus were briefly linked with a move for Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin but have shelved their interest in the Spain international.

The Gunners want to make at least £50m from Bellerin’s departure and Max Allegri’s side are not interested in paying that much.

Juventus’ decision to end their short pursuit of Bellerin will only benefit Darmian, who has fallen completely out of favour at United.

The Italy international has spent the last three years at United after joining from Torino in 2015 but has failed to make a positive impression.

Darmian’s standout performance came in last season’s Europa League final but he has only made 12 appearances in all competitions this term.

The 28-year-old is one of several players that Mourinho will look to usher out the door at United this summer and Juventus want to hand him a route back to Italy.

United have a far superior win ratio in the Premier League under Mourinho when Darmian hasn’t started (60.8%) compared to when he has (41.2%).