Could it be that Napoli have found the right formula to convince Manchester United to let Matteo Darmian leave Old Trafford this summer without paying the full amount just yet?
This is what Corriere dello Sport put forward on Wednesday, stating the Italy international has always been top of Carlo Ancelotti’s wishlist, but the €20m requested by the Red Devils was putting them off.
With some negotiations, that €20m could become €16-17m, but it’s still more than, let’s say, the €10m needed to get Kevin Malcuit, for example.
Corriere explain that in order to please everyone, Napoli are ready to offer a loan with an obligation to buy next season, paying €7.5m up front, and the rest later.
While this wouldn’t give Manchester United the money they want straight away, it would still avoid the awkward possibility of Darmian returning if he didn’t have a good season back in his home country.
As has been the case for a few days now, Napoli are waiting for José Mourinho to give the green light on a deal, which he was probably reluctant to do while on preseason tour, with so few first-team players at his disposal after the World Cup.
Perhaps this will move forward once Manchester United are back on home soil.
