Manchester United Transfer News: Matteo Darmian Agreement Struck, Latest Rumours

Manchester United have reached an agreement with versatile Torino full-back Matteo Darmian, but they must match the Italian club's transfer valuation before he can move to Old Trafford.

Football writer Omid Zamani provided the details, via Sky Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio:

Darmian is capable of working on either side of the defence or in a centre-back role if needed. He can also be pushed slightly further forward and is capable of contributing offensively, scoring four and assisting four in 43 matches across Serie A and the Europa League last season, per WhoScored.com.

United boss Louis van Gaal is a lover of multi-functional players, as highlighted by last summer's acquisitions Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo. United's squad needs to include a handful of stars who can play across various roles, just as Sir Alex Ferguson's sides used to.

Individuals such as Phil Neville and John O'Shea weren't the most glamorous over Fergie's reign, but they added important depth. Darmian can fit in like this; although he's not guaranteed to start every week, Van Gaal will likely slot him in wherever needed. The Italian spent the majority of last season playing from the right, meaning his signing could be bad news for Antonio Valencia and Rafael.

As reported by Sky Sports, United will listen to offers for the latter, who failed to hold down a consistent run in the team under Van Gaal last season. Rafael will often make a stunning tackle before playing his team into trouble and was utilised for just 591 minutes in the Premier League last season, recorded by WhoScored.

Darmian's arrival could lend itself to Van Gaal utilising a back three. He tried this during the early stages of last term but switched to four after United struggled to adapt. Darmian can slot into the gut-busting full-back role easily, supporting midfield from deep but also dropping to make a five-man defence when possession breaks down.

Such a formation would also suit Real Madrid centre-back Sergio Ramos, who continues to be linked with the club, as reported by AS (h/t Jamie Sanderson of the Metro). Van Gaal likes to play passing football from the back, but he currently doesn't have the players to support such control. Both Darmian and Ramos would provide quality in this area.

Van Gaal has already added versatile winger Memphis Depay to his lineup this summer. However, United need to spend lavishly if they are to compete for a place in the top three. B/R UK's Andy Brassell recently discussed rumours surrounding the club's potential spending:

Darmian is both an ambitious player and a smart capture for the club. Zamani thinks the Red Devils are getting excellent value for money:

United fly out for their pre-season tour of the United States next week, so Van Gaal will want to get the majority of his squad built before matches begin. The side flitted between terrible and brilliant last season, so they must find greater consistency if Champions League qualification is going to become a regular achievement again.

Darmian can be considered a pragmatic signing and a necessary part of a bigger picture for the transitioning side.