Torino midfielder Giuseppe Vives says Matteo Darmian deserves the chance to sign for Manchester United, if the defender does swap Serie A for the English Premier League.
United have moved closer to completing a deal to bring the Italian international to Old Trafford after raising their initial offer to €18 million.
Vives joined the Granata in 2011 alongside the full-back, and the 34-year-old told Sky Italia that Darmian’s hard work and dedication means he has earned the opportunity to play at the highest level.
“It would be a fantastic reward for him,” said the former Lecce midfielder.
“He [Darmian] has a great attitude towards his work and has created his own luck, so it is only right that he gets the chance to play for a great team.”
In four seasons with Torino, the 25-year-old helped the club gain promotion back to the Italian top flight before playing his part in the club re-establishing themselves in Serie A.
Vives added: “Darmian deserves this, especially having started in Serie B with Torino.
“I don’t think he will struggle to adapt to English football as humility is one of his great strengths.
“Those with humility have a great chance to succeed.”
United are still short of Toro president Urbano Cairo’s €20m valuation but there is still time to conclude the transfer before the Italian businessman’s Sunday 12 July deadline.
