Manchester United are reportedly growing increasingly confident they can seal the signing of Denzel Dumfries amid a telling development at Inter Milan.
United manager Erik ten Hag is busy assembling his squad ahead of his debut season. Bringing in the new faces he wants, though, has been far from easy – a fact best exemplified by the Frenkie de Jong transfer saga. Indeed, hopes of De Jong now appear up in smoke with the player reportedly telling the Red Devils a few home truths.
His signing now appears off the agenda. That’s a major shame for Ten Hag, who has spent large periods this summer pursuing a deal for his former Ajax protege.
Indeed, his three signings so far this summer are all players well known to Ten Hag. And all three have strong connections with the Eredivisie.
First through the door was Tyrell Malacia, while Christian Eriksen soon followed. The biggest signing so far, though, has been Lisandro Martinez.
United have struck a deal which could reach £57m for the Argentine. And Ten Hag has already dropped a hint about his selections that won’t go down well with Raphael Varane.
The United boss still, however, wants to strengthen his midfield – hence the pursuit of De Jong. But rather than signing alternatives, Ten Hag would rather wait to land his preferred options.
As such, it seems he is now focusing instead on strengthening the right-side of his defence.
That’s a position the club has struggled in over the last two seasons. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has failed to live up to the hype. As such, it would be no surprise were he to depart.
One man who did cash-in on Wan-Bissaka’s loss of form was Diogo Dalot. The Portuguese was the big winner from the Ralf Rangnick era; the player becoming a regular.
Denzel Dumfries a wanted man
That said, question marks remain over just how good he Dalot can be and whether he has the quality to establish himself as a long-term choice.
To that end, it’s little surprise to see United regularly linked with Dumfries.
Operating in a wing-back role, Dumfries has impressed since joining Inter as Achraf Hakimi’s replacement.
Indeed, Dumfries scored five times and laid on four assists last season in 33 Serie A appearances.
Now reports suggest United are ready to make their move.
And it seems Inter are ready to sanction his sale – as long as his asking price is met.
To that end, Calciomercacto claims Inter are seeking £34m (€40m) for the 26-year-old.
They claim Inter need to sell to balance their books and fall within FFP regulations. Furthermore, they are looking to raise £51m (€60m) before the summer window shuts to meet those stipulations.
They have interest in several of their stars, with Milan Skriniar chased by PSG. Sunday’s Transfer Gossip also suggests Tottenham are weighing up a move for Nicolo Barella.
However, Inter chief executive Giuseppe Marotta would rather sell Dumfries.
Having bought him for just £12.7m (€15m) last summer, that would represent a big mark-up for the Nerazzurri.
Inzaghi not keen on sale
As such, Manchester United are reportedly ready to meet Inter’s asking price.
Dumfries is seen as a player who has the qualities to instantly improve the right-side of United’s defence. And given his attacking instincts, he has all the tools needed to become a successful modern full-back in the Premier League.
His potential sale though is not going down well with all at Inter.
In fact, Calciomercato claims there is a potential clash on the cards between Marotta and coach Simone Inzaghi.
And the Inter coach understandably wants to keep Denzel Dumfries at the San Siro beyond the summer. He is a big part of the way they play and he is loathe to lose the Dutchman.
Having already seen his left wing-back depart with Ivan Perisic joining Spurs, he is dead against the exit of Dumfries too.
However, the article claims the sale will go through with Inter having little option to sell if United meet their asking price.
