Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao could be moving to Serie A giants Juventus next season, according to Italian agent Giovanni Branchini.

The Colombia international was rumoured to be close to joining the Bianconeri before United stepped in and brought the forward to Old Trafford, and after a dismal season in the Premier League, a move to Turin could still be on the cards. As Branchini told Gazzetta TV (via Metro‘s Jon Harvey):

“Last summer he [Falcao] was really close to joining Juventus. Then Manchester United’s unbeatable offer arrived and due to the high costs involved, it was not possible for him to join the Bianconeri. Let’s see what will happen in July. Maybe we will try again.”

Falcao arrived at Old Trafford having missed the bulk of the 2013-14 season due to injury, and he has failed to have much of an impact for Louis van Gaal‘s side. He’s scored just four goals, per Harvey, and Bleacher Report’s Stan Collymore thinks it would be best if the club don’t make his current loan move permanent:

The 29-year-old was one of the most feared strikers in the world during his time with Atletico Madrid, and the debate on whether his current form is due to his lengthy absence from the pitch or a sign of his decline is an intriguing one. After all, he showed against Bahrain he can still score goals, via Bleacher Report UK:

United could opt to sign Falcao and give him one more season to prove he can get back to his old self, although a split seems more likely at this point.

As shared by FourFourTwo‘s Sam Pilger, his price tag would be an issue should Van Gaal feel inclined to give the Colombian the benefit of the doubt:

Juventus have preferred a system with two strikers of late, partnering Carlos Tevez with Alvaro Morata. The former has already made it clear he wishes to return to Argentina when his contract runs out in 2016—the latter’s contract contains a buyback clause Real Madrid could activate until 2017.

The Italians will undoubtedly address the striker position at the end of this season and have had success bringing in players who were struggling to find their old form, like Tevez and Andrea Barzagli. With that in mind, a move for Falcao could pay huge dividends if the price is right.

 

Matteo Darmian Opens Door To Transfer Move

Torino full-back Matteo Darmian is being linked with a move to Old Trafford, and he recently refused to rule out an exit from Torino at the end of the season. As reported by the Daily Express‘ Anthony Chapman, he said: “We will see [what happens] at the end of the season. Certainly for my growth, all credit goes to Torino.”

The 25-year-old was one of Italy’s top performers at the 2014 World Cup, with his best match coming against England. For his efforts, he was voted best Italy NT player of the year by the fans, per FourFourTwo‘s Adam Digby:

Darmian is a typical Italian full-back, combining pace and power with great defensive instincts and discipline. He almost embarrassed Leighton Baines at the World Cup, taking full advantage of the space and doing the all the hard work for Mario Balotelli’s headed goal.

He has continued his progression this season, attracting plenty of attention from other clubs. Inter Milan are the favourites for his signature, and they’re already preparing an offer, via Football Italia:

Darmian is an excellent player, but fans may be wondering why Van Gaal would move for a relatively unknown full-back with limited upside given his age. The club could use an upgrade over current right-back Rafael, and you have to assume United have the cash to go after a star player, something Darmian is not.

The Italy international would be a solid signing, but he’s too old to be a prospect and not the kind of impact player the club needs right now. Inter seems like a better fit, and expect Darmian to be plying his trade for the Nerazzurri next season.

 

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