Manchester United have taken a step closer to signing Torino's Matteo Darmian after the two clubs agreed a £12.9m fee for the right-back. The Guardian understands the player has agreed a four-year contract worth around £30,000 a week with the transfer set to go through in the next few days.

Louis van Gaal has been looking for a right-back since missing out on Barcelona's Dani Alves and has decided that the Italy international fits the bill. The 25-year-old started all of Italy's group matches at last summer's World Cup in Brazil and has a total of 13 caps for his country.

Darmian can also play at centre-back though it is the right side of the rearguard where he has most impressed,

Last season Van Gaal often played Antonio Valencia at right-back with the Dutchman also having to call on Phil Jones and Rafael da Silva in that position. Daley Blind also had to fill in at times.

(Guardian service)