Matteo Darmian could leave Manchester United as early as this week after it was reported that his wife remained in Italy for the start of the new Premier League season.
Darmian featured for United in the 2-1 season opener win over Leicester City though his performance was hammered on social media by United fans. He is understood to be staying in a Manchester hotel.
The player has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford several times this summer and there is no shortage of Serie A clubs that would like to have him in their squad including both the Milan clubs and Juventus.
Jose Mourinho is willing to let the player leave though is not pushing the decision. He is not well blessed for defenders, as evidenced by the club's fruitless search for a centre back in the closing days of the transfer window. It's believed United want more than the £20million which has been quoted.
Things haven't really worked out for Darmian despite making a bright start to his United career. He made some outstanding displays at the beginning of the 2015/16 season and the United fans thought they may have finally found a long-term replacement for Gary Neville.
Mourinho continued to use Darmian in big games, especially in Europe but the player has looked unsettled in recent months. He remains a regular pick for the Italian national side and he is still held in high regard back home.
Darmian's potential move will not be affected by the closure of the Premier League transfer window as later deadlines operate across Europe.