Europa League Winner Could Leave Atletico Madrid

Manchester United are said to be interested in a right-back in order to provide back-up to veteran Antonio Valencia for the upcoming season.

Second choice Matteo Darmian is supposedly on the verge of joining Italian club Juventus, with talks in full progression, as reported by several media houses.

Manager Jose Mourinho is said to have identified some key players for the position, and the latest to join the rumour list is Atletico Madrid’s Sime Vrsaljko.

The 26-year-old Croatian played a key role in helping the club win the UEFA Europa League, by playing for 45 minutes in the final against Marseille in Lyon.

The former Dinamo Zagreb player joined the Spanish giants in 2016, and since then, has made a handful of 38 appearances for the club.

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According to a report in Spanish outlet Sport, United are planning to lure the player to Old Trafford.

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He is one of the players in Jose’s list, and his versatility is a reason that has got United to believe that he will be a key replacement for Darmian. Like the Italian, Vrsaljko can play in both right- and left-back positions.

What has augured well for the Mancunian club is that the player isn’t Simeone’s number one choice. Despite having many years left on his contract, he could well be let go of if a right amount comes along the way. He is a sound defender, and being just 26 year old, he has the time to make a solid impact.

Days earlier, it was reported that United have identified Napoli defender Elseid Hysaj as a potential target, and would be ready to pay the £44 million release clause. Besides Hysaj, Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin too, is a target, but that deal is highly unlikely.