Roma and Genoa are said to be interested in Alexander Buttner, who has failed to make an impression whilst at Manchester United.
Sir Alex Ferguson paid around £5million for the Dutch left back in the summer of 2012, and he made a fine start to life in England when he scored on his debut against Wigan Athletic. However, he has since struggled to maintain this form, and is some way off displacing Patrice Evra in the starting XI.
Indeed, even with the France international past his best, David Moyes is thought to have ruled out the possibility of Buttner becoming first choice in the future. Although Fabio da Silva has been given little time to impress this term, the Brazilian, the twin brother of Rafael, is a better option than the former Vitesse man.
Buttner remains under contract at Old Trafford until the summer of 2017, but the Sunday Mirror claim he could be on his way when the transfer window reopens next month. And according to the tabloid his next destination could be Italy and Serie A, where both Roma and Genoa are said to be interested.
Il Grifone only just avoided relegation to Serie B last season, but have been much better this time round and occupy ninth position. Luca Antonelli has started 11 of their 17 league matches so far, and the 26-year-old could benefit from the additional competition as he looks to secure a place in Italy’s World Cup squad.
The Giallorossi, meanwhile, are unbeaten after 17 games, although five draws have left them trailing leaders Juventus by five points. Federico Balzaretti, another member of the Azzurri plans, has just turned 32, so Rudi Garcia would want Buttner to come in and challenge for a regular start in his line-up.
Moyes is unlikely to stand in the way of the player should suitable bids arrive, yet it is believed both Genoa and Roma would prefer to take him on loan for the rest of the season with the view to a permanent deal in the summer.
