Matteo Darmian finally set to leave Manchester United

Darmian appears to be closing in on a move back to Italy.

Finally, it seems Matteo Darmian's time as a Manchester United player is nearly over. According to The Guardian, the 29-year-old is set to seal a loan move to Juventus for the remainder of the season with the Italian champions also having the option to make the deal a permanent one for £7.1m in the summer. Darmian, who began his career with AC Milan, was signed for United from Torino by Louis van Gaal four years ago. Despite a steady start at Old Trafford, he hardly featured towards the end of Jose Mourinho's time at the club and has not been able to regain his place under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - despite his start against Reading in the FA Cup Third Round. The defender's current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, though United are expected to trigger a one-year extension option on his contract to secure a fee from Juve in the summer. Along with Inter Milan, Juve were repeatedly linked with a move for Darmian last summer. His ability to play left or right full-back or in the centre of defence mean the Turin club see him as a useful addition to their squad. Massimiliano Allegri's side are said to be in advanced discussions to complete the deal, which would also see United pocket a £2.6m loan fee. United picked up their seventh straight win under Solskjaer on Saturday, defeating Brighton 2-1 at Old Trafford. Darmian did not feature, though was brought into the match day squad at the last minute after Luke Shaw withdrew from the game with illness. The news about Darmian also follows reports that Marouane Fellaini could leave Old Trafford this month, though this now appears to have changed after the Belgium international picked up an injury.