According to reports in The Sun, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is ready to axe full-backs Luke Shaw and Matteo Darmian during the January transfer window as he looks to boost his transfer kitty for the month.
The Sun says that the Portuguese manager is set to sell the out of favour Italy international in the New Year, with Sevilla and AS Roma said to be interested in the £15m-rated defender.
The 28-year-old joined the Red Devils from Torino in 2015, but he has struggled to hold down a regular spot in the side since then, and he has found first-team minutes particularly hard to come by this season.
Meanwhile, new Everton boss Sam Allardyce will be looking to strengthen his squad in January in order to lead the Toffees up the Premier League table and towards the battle to qualify for Europe in the second-half of the campaign, and he may have identified certain spots in the backline as a priority for new players.
Bringing the unwanted Italian to Goodison Park could certainly prove to be a shrewd deal for the 63-year-old and the Merseyside outfit.
Here are three reasons Everton should move for Darmian in January…
They need new defenders
While Everton kept successive clean sheets in the wins against West Ham United and Huddersfield Town at Goodison Park last week, new Toffees boss Sam Allardyce may still be concerned about his side’s leaky defence.
The Merseyside outfit had let in 28 goals in their opening 13 Premier League matches this season, and with little competition for Leighton Baines at left-back and with Seamus Coleman still missing as he recovers from a double leg break and summer addition Cuco Martina failing to impress at right-back, the former England boss could be ready to move for Darmian.
Versatility
He may have only made 10 appearances in all competition for United this season, but Darmian has certainly proven just how versatile he can be.
While his preferred position is as a right-back or right wing-back, the 28-year-old has also played in the same roles on the opposite flank, while he even featured as a centre-back in United’s three-man defence against Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup back in August.
The fact that he can play in so many position may well appeal to Allardyce, as he looks to add quality and depth to his squad.
Price tag
Considering some of the ridiculous price tags and transfer fees that are being thrown around in the modern day, Everton may feel that they would be getting something of a bargain if they could pick up a player of Darmian’s quality for just £15m.
At 28 years of age the Italian should be enjoying the best years of his career, while the experience he has gained playing for Man United in the Premier League and Champions League – as well as in 36 caps for his country – show that he would be a useful addition to a Toffees team that wants success.
Do you agree, Toffees fans? Let us know below.