Manchester United are reportedly paving the way for a summer assault on Inter Milan to lure versatile defender Denzel Dumfries to Old Trafford.
The 26-year-old is currently in his second season with Inter, having joined from PSV for a fee in the region of €12.5m. The Netherlands international made a name for himself in his homeland, with spells at Eredivisie clubs Sparta Rotterdam and Heerenveen. However, able to operate at centre-back or right-back, he has taken his game to a new level in Serie A.
Having enjoyed 45 outings in all competitions last term, Dumfries has made 25 appearances in 2022-2023 to date.
And he played a full part in the Netherlands run to the World Cup quarter-finals. A red card right at the death of that clash with Argentina blotted his copybook but he remains an in-demand player.
Chelsea have been strongly linked with the powerful defender as they look for cover to aid injury-prone Reece James.
Indeed it was reported earlier this week that the west Londoners were ‘likely winners’ of the race to sign the star.
However, United might have a thing or two to say about that, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Italian outlet claim the north-west giants have ‘launched several signals of openness’ for a deal.
And they add that his representatives are ‘already intensifying contacts’ with those in power at the Theatre of Dreams.
It is said that dialogue was opened during the January transfer window. And, although nothing happened last month, a summer move is on the cards.
Dumfries keen for Premier League switch
Inter snared Dumfries for a relatively small transfer fee. However, it seems as though the Nerazzurri will not be so charitable if the Rotterdam-born star does opt to leave.
Gazzetta dello Sport state that Inter will only listen to offers that are ‘commensurate’ with his value.
That valuation currently sits at around €50m. And the Italian giants do not want any other players to be involved in the transfer.
They need an injection of cash to fund their own transfer business and will stand firm over their price tag for Dumfries.
The article suggests that the man with 42 Netherlands caps is ‘on his way out’ of Inter.
He is said to favour a move to the Premier League and it looks as though he will be able to pick and choose his next destination.
Manchester United chief Erik ten Hag has Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan Bissaka at his disposal. And the chance to add quality to his right-back ranks will appeal.
The Dutch tactician will then also have further cover at centre-half, with Dumfries able to fulfil a dual role in the rearguard.
It will not be straightforward for United, however. Inter are now said to be waiting for ‘eventual important offers’ from the Red Devils and other potential suitors.
Simone Inzaghi has his eyes on Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui and may look to do a deal in the off-season.
But they need money and selling Dumfries to the highest bidder is one way of achieving that aim.
United are clearly keen but Chelsea have flexed their financial muscles in recent times and could prove a large obstacle.
