Man United blow as Barcelona look to sign £16m Italy defender – report

Manchester United are facing a battle to keep hold of Matteo Darmian as Barcelona target the Italian right-back as a replacement for Dani Alves, according to reports in Italy.

The Brazil international has completed a move to Serie A champions Dani Alves earlier this week after an eight-year spell at the Camp Nou which saw the 33-year-old win six La Liga titles.

Darmian endured an injury-hit first season at Old Trafford after the 26-year-old Italy defender completed a £12.5m transfer from Serie A side Torino last summer.

According to Gazzetto dello Sport, Spanish champions Barcelona are lining up a move for United defender Darmian as Luis Enrique looks to improve his squad ahead of the 2016/17 season.

The South American has scored 21 times in 391 appearances in all competitions during his eight-year stay at Camp Nou.

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United defender Darmian netted one goal in 39 games for the 20-time English champions following his transfer last summer.