Manchester United confirm signing of Italian defender Matteo Darmian from Torino

Manchester United have confirmed completing the signing of Torino defender Matteo Darmian.

The Italian international has signed a four-year deal, with an option to extend it by one year.

A statement on United's official website read: "Manchester United is delighted to announce that Matteo Darmian has completed his transfer from Torino. Matteo joins on a four-year contract with the option to extend for a further year."

The 25-year-old spent four years at Torino and his club form saw him get a chance to play for Italy. He was part of the national squad during the 2014 Fifa World Cup and was in the same group with England.

Darmian is a versatile player, who can play as a centre-back and also as a left-back or a right-back. However, his preferred position is on the right hand side of the back four and his ability to operate in different positions has impressed United manager Louis van Gaal.

"Matteo is a right-sided full back with the versatility of also being able to play on the left. He is a strong defender and has the ability to go forward in the attacking positions which is a fantastic attribute to have and much needed in the fast rhythm of the Premier League," Van Gaal told United's official website.

"Matteo will be a great addition to the team. I am delighted to welcome Matteo to the club and look forward to working with him in the coming days."

Darmian has expressed his delight after completing his move to Old Trafford. The Italian defender went on to thank Torino and their fans for helping him to seal a move to United.

"It is a dream come true to be joining Manchester United. I have loved the time that I have spent at Torino and I would like to thank the club and the fans for everything they have done for me," Darmian explained.

"I am sure they can understand when the opportunity to join the biggest club in world came along it was something I had to do."

"To work with Louis van Gaal, a manager that has achieved so much in football is such an exciting prospect."

Darmian is United's third summer signing after they completed a move for Dutch international Memphis Depay and agreed a deal with Bayern Munich for Germany's World Cup winning midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.