Matteo Darmian’s proposed move to Barcelona looks increasingly unlikely now, with the Daily Mail reporting that the La Liga giants are considering a bid for Ricardo Rodriguez as an alternative.
If Barca were to sign the Wolfsburg full-back, it would almost certainly spell the end of their interest in Italy international Darmian, who struggled to nail down a place in United’s first team last season.
Towards the end of that campaign, Louis van Gaal often preferred youngster Timothy Fosu-Mensah at right-back, and while Jose Mourinho is not exactly known for giving young players a chance, Fosu-Mensah is one he may well persevere with.
There will be question marks over Darmian’s confidence going into next season after the defender missed the crucial penalty that saw Italy crash out of Euro 2016 to Germany.
The 26-year-old was something of a surprise target for Barca in the first place, so it’s not entirely unexpected that they are now considering Rodriguez, who has also been a target for Arsenal in the past.
Barca are looking to strengthen their defence, their only real weakness, in a bid to continue their supremacy in Spain and once boss Luis Enrique makes a couple of signings, they will surely be favourites to triumph in the league yet again.
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