Catalan giants Barcelona are planning a summer swoop for Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian as manager Luis Enrique seeks a possible replacement for right-back Dani Alves, who left Blaugrana on free transfer to join Serie A champions Juventus.

Barcelona are hoping their close ties with the player himself will help in any forthcoming deal coming through.

Barcelona sporting director Ariedo Braido has worked together with Matteo Darmian during their times at AC Milan, and Blaugrana are hopeful that a reported deal of £16 million could come through during the summer transfer window.

The 26-year-old Italian international has spent only one season with Manchester United after his £12.7 million transfer to Old Trafford from Torino in 2015.

Jose Mourinho is believed to be open to the sale, according to reports from Express, as the Portuguese tactician is on the hunt for more defensive solution at right back after having already acquired services of Eric Bailly from Spanish side Villarreal for £30 million.

Matteo Darmian has spent four seasons with Italian side Torino before making a switch to the Premier League. The Italian is currently on international duty with Azzuri, who are competing at the 2016 European Championship finals in France.

Darmian has made two Euro 2016 appearances so far and could be in line for a place in the starting line-up in the last 16 match against Spain on Monday.

Azzurri are looking at the betting odds of 4/55 (39/11) @888sport to beat La Roja and have their revenge for the 4-0 defeat in Euro 2012 final.

The 26-year-old Italian international has made his Italy debut in 2014 in a goalless draw against Republic of Ireland, while his last of the total of 26 games for the national team also came against Republic of Ireland last time out as Azzurri got beaten 1-0 in Lille.