Napoli submit official offer to loan Man Utd outcast

Ross Gibson

 Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has revealed the club have approached Manchester United with an offer to loan defender Matteo Darmian for the season.

The Italy international was selected as a starter in United’s 4-1 defeat to bitter rivals Liverpool on Saturday, but finds himself behind Antonio Valencia in the pecking order, and is keen to find a move away from Old Trafford to improve his playing time.

United boss Jose Mourinho has said Darmian is free to leave if the club receive a suitable bid, and Di Laurentiis says Napoli’s loan bid is with a view to a permanent deal.

Speaking to Italian outlet Radio Kiss Kiss, Di Laurentiis said: “We have asked for Darmian on a loan with a right to sign next summer.”

Damian, who joined United from Torino in 2015, says a return to Italy could be an attractive option.

“I want to play more regularly,” said the 28-year-old. “Last season, I didn’t play much, that’s my objective and my ambition. That’s why I spoke with the manager and also with the club about my future.

“I want to leave but we will see what happens because we don’t know.”

 

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