Manchester United’s 26-year-old defender interests Chelsea’s Conte

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Italy international defender Matteo Darmian, according to Calcio Mercato.

The Premier League side, who currently occupy second place in the English top-flight standings following Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Swansea City, have been linked with a surprise move for the Manchester United full-back ahead of the January transfer window.

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

The 26-year-old, who has 26 international caps for his country and featured for Italy at this summer’s European Championships in France, has failed to star for the Red Devils so far this 2016/17 season under new manager Jose Mourinho, with Antonio Valencia instead being preferred at right-back.

Darmian, who arrived at Old Trafford from Serie A outfit Torino back in July 2015 following his reported £12.7m switch, featured 39 times in all competitions during his debut year at the Old Trafford outfit under former boss Louis van Gaal.

The report suggests that ex-Italy coach, Antonio Conte, who is now in charge at Premier League rivals Chelsea, would like to lure the defender to Stamford Bridge.