Manchester United could capitalise on a long-term interest in Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries in the summer, particularly in light of recent events.
According to a report from Calciomercato, the Netherlands international has changed representatives to boost his hopes of securing a big-money move this summer.
Dumfries joined Inter from PSV Eindhoven for a reported fee of £11 million in 2021, but after going from strength to strength in his first Serie A season, he’s fallen out of favour in 2022/23.
Simone Inzaghi’s decision to nail the 26-year-old to the bench has been a signal for several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Man United, to reignite their interest in the Dutchman.
However, after completing the signing of Malo Gusto from Lyon, the Blues have dropped their interest in the attacking-minded right-back, leaving the Red Devils as the sole suitors for the ex-Everton target.
Erik ten Hag splashed out a whopping £216m during his first summer in charge of United, but unlike his predecessors, the Dutchman’s on-field results have more than justified his extravagant spending.
He has no intention of putting the brakes on his effort to assemble a formidable squad and restore glory days at Old Trafford, with a new right-back among his priorities for the upcoming transfer window.
Dumfries has been on Man United’s radar for a while now, but the Red Devils have been patient for all pieces to fall into place and could soon be rewarded for their patience.
Inter won’t mind offloading their unsettled star for the right price, which is understood to be around £44m.
That would see the club make a significant profit on the Dutchman’s sale, yet the Red Devils may have an ace up their sleeves to drive the Italians’ substantial asking price down.
Lindelof out, Dumfries in
With less than two years left on his contract at Old Trafford, Victor Lindelof is hell-bent on leaving Man United in search of regular first-team football already this summer.
The Swede has been ten Hag’s fourth option at the back this season, and it’s little wonder the former Benfica man is keen on packing his bags as quickly as possible.
Among clubs interested in offering him an escape route from Manchester are non-other than Inter, as they’re on the verge of parting company with long-serving star Milan Skriniar.
Having refused to pledge his future to Giuseppe Meazza, the Slovakia international will exit the Nerazzurri as a free agent at the end of the season, with Paris Saint-Germain waiting in the wings.
Despite only recently committing Stefan de Vrij to a new contract, the Italians must replace Skriniar, and Lindelof seems to be a player of Beppe Marotta’s taste.
The centre-back’s agents have established contact with Inter to understand the feasibility of the move, while Man Utd already made it clear they won’t be standing in his way.
But instead of selling Lindelof in a cut-price deal, the Red Devils could use him as a makeweight in negotiations to bring Dumfries to the Premier League.
Who could pay the price?
One between Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot will have to move on first to open up a slot for Dumfries.
Based on Ten Hag’s preference this season, it’s more likely that the former Crystal Palace man could be the one to take the bullet.
Dalot has been the Dutchman’s first-choice right-back whenever fit and ready, which is nothing to be surprised about, given Wan-Bissaka’s well-documented attacking limitations.
Although the Portuguese star has had more success venturing forward, his defensive shortcomings could cost him a first-team status should the Dumfries deal go through.
The problem with Wan-Bissaka’s potential departure is a lack of suitors.
Man United must find someone desperate enough to handle the 25-year-old’s hefty wages, which could prove an arduous task.
