Juventus eye Matteo Darmian from Manchester United as Patrice Evra nears exit after being left out of matchday squad
Italian full-back targeted as Serie A champion look to reshuffle ageing defence — and there's no Evra for clash against Bologna
JUVENTUS want to bring Matteo Darmian back to Serie A, according to reports — as Patrice Evra moves closer to the exit door.
Manchester United ace, Darmian, is comfortable playing in either full back slot — and has been deployed mainly as a back-up this campaign.
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News of the Serie A leaders’ interest in Darmain comes amid reports Evra is set to leave the Italian champions.
The Frenchman, 35, has been left out of the squad for today’s clash with Bologna and would love a return to United.
While West Ham are also interested in the veteran’s signature.
Juventus are in a transitional period as they look to reshuffle their ageing defence.
Alex Sandro, 25, has been preferred to Evra at left-back this season, but Max Allegri is on the lookout for a long-term suitor on the other flank.
Stephan Lichtsteiner, 32, and Dani Alves, 33, Giorgio Chiellini, 32 and Andrea Barzagli, 35, will all soon need replacing — while Juve are sure to face another battle to hold onto Leonardo Bonucci this summer.
Evra was seemingly rejuvenated when he moved to the Italian giants from Old Trafford in 2014.
He produced some of his best football for years and was instrumental as Juve won a league and cup double — and reached a first Champions League final for 12 years in his first season.
However, age has finally taken its toll and Allegri was reportedly fuming with Evra’s performance in the Italian Super Cup penalty shoot-out loss to AC Milan.
While his recently strong social media presence does not appear to have gone down so well with the Juventus hierarchy as his performances have suffered.
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Darmian, meanwhile, lost his place at right-back to Antonio Valencia in Mourinho’s team.
Luke Shaw’s injury saw him come in on the other side, and he is enjoying a solid campaign.
Yet, despite featuring more regularly, he is not likely to remain a long-term Mourinho favourite — and a return to Serie A could be the best move for both parties.