Mourinho reluctant to sell Matteo Darmian to Chelsea

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho will reportedly block an approach from his former club for Matteo Darmian as he does not want to lose the player midway through the campaign.

The Italy international has had a rough time under the Special One, and has yet to mark his appearance for the Red Devils this season.

According to The Mirror, Mourinho will snub advances from his former employers as the club still lack the necessary cover in the right-back department.

Blues coach Antonio Conte was linked with a possible reunion with the 26-year-old but it now seems a deal is unlikely in the January transfer window. Conte has previously worked with Darmian when he was incharge of the Italian national side.

Apart from Chelsea, Serie A giants Juventus and Napoli have also been credited with interest for the defender, who can feature across the backline.

Darmian made 39 appearances for Manchester United under former manager Louis van Gaal last season.