Davide Santon has urged Matteo Darmian to quit Manchester United and join Inter Milan in the January transfer window
According to FC Inter 1908 (h/t Manchester Evening News), Inter Milan defender Davide Santon has stated that Manchester United outcast Matteo Darmian would be welcome at the San Siro. The 26-year-old has struggled to cope up with life in the Premier League, and a move back to his native Italy will certainly be on the cards.
Santon told the Italian media outlet: “I know Darmian, he’s a friend. I like the rumours, he’s a great player and a great guy.
“If he comes he’ll be welcome, the competition will be big. The competition will be for me, as for him. I’d be glad if he came, I don’t think I’d leave.”
The Nerrazzurri were in the market for the Manchester United defender in the summer and even saw a bid turned down on transfer deadline day. But since then reports have emerged of Darmian iterating his desire to leave the Old Trafford outfit.
After moving to Manchester last summer, Darmian quickly emerged as a fan-favourite at the club and made the right-back position his own. He aided the Red Devils to to two consecutive shutouts at the start of the season and also put in an excellent shift in the final third.
However, his progress was put to a standstill after he suffered a shock hamstring injury in December and an ankle twist a few months later. New boss Jose Mourinho is also not overly impressed by the Italian’s performances, and has chosen to field Antonio Valencia ahead of him.
Barcelona and Chelsea have shown interested in the wantaway defender of late, and could weigh in with bids come January. However, the player reportedly has his heart set on returning to Italy, and Mourinho’s friendship with Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti could help polish the pathway for his move to the San Siro.
