This archive report was first published on 30 July 2019.
Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford, with just 12 months left on his contract.
According to Mundo Deportivo, cited by the Daily Mail, Barcelona are monitoring Darmian as a possible replacement for Jordi Alba on the left flank.
While Real Betis' Junior Firpo and Bayern Munich's David Alaba are Barcelona's top choices, they would come at a hefty transfer fee.
As a result, Barcelona director of football Eric Abidal and his assistant Ramon Planes have identified Darmian and Augsburg's Philipp Max as alternatives.
Darmian, a 29-year-old Italy international, is rated highly and can play on both flanks.
He has struggled to tie down a spot and regular game-time since joining United from Torino in the summer of 2015, making just six appearances for the Red Devils during the 2018-19 Premier League campaign.
United are keen to sell Darmian to make way for summer target Harry Maguire.