Manchester United could take advantage of a long-term interest in Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries this summer, especially given recent events.
According to Calciomercato, the Netherlands international has changed representatives in order to increase his chances of landing a big-money move this summer.
Dumfries joined Inter from PSV Eindhoven for a reported fee of £11 million in 2021, but after a stellar debut season in Serie A, he’s fallen out of favor in 2022/23.
Simone Inzaghi’s decision to keep the 26-year-old on the bench has piqued the interest of several Premier League clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United.
The Blues, however, have dropped their interest in the attacking-minded right-back after completing the signing of Malo Gusto from Lyon, leaving the Red Devils as the only suitors for the ex-Everton target.
Erik ten Hag spent a whopping £216 million on his first summer as Manchester United manager, but unlike his predecessors, the Dutchman’s on-field results more than justified his extravagant spending.
He has no plans to slow down his efforts to assemble a formidable squad and resurrect Old Trafford’s glory days, with a new right-back among his priorities for the upcoming transfer window.
Dumfries has been on Manchester United’s radar for some time, but the Red Devils have been patiently waiting for all the pieces to fall into place, and they may soon be rewarded for their patience.
Inter will not mind selling their unsettled star for the right price, which is thought to be around £44 million.
The club would profit significantly from the sale of the Dutchman, but the Red Devils may have an ace up their sleeves to reduce the Italians’ high asking price.
Lindelof is out, and Dumfries is in.
Victor Lindelof, who has less than two years left on his contract at Old Trafford, is determined to leave the club this summer in search of regular first-team football.
The Swede has been ten Hag’s fourth option at the back this season, and it’s no surprise that the former Benfica man wants to leave as soon as possible.
Inter are among the clubs interested in offering him a way out of Manchester, as they are on the verge of parting ways with long-serving star Milan Skriniar.
The Slovakia international will leave the Nerazzurri as a free agent at the end of the season after refusing to commit his future to Giuseppe Meazza, with Paris Saint-Germain waiting in the wings.
Despite only recently signing Stefan de Vrij to a new contract, the Italians need to replace Skriniar, and Lindelof appears to be Beppe Marotta’s type of player.
The centre-back’s agents have made contact with Inter to discuss the possibility of a move, and Manchester United have already stated that they will not stand in his way.
Instead of selling Lindelof cheaply, the Red Devils could use him as a bargaining chip in negotiations to bring Dumfries to the Premier League.
Who would be willing to pay the price?
To make room for Dumfries, one of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot must advance first.
Ten Hag’s preference this season suggests that the former Crystal Palace man will be the one to take the bullet.
Dalot has been the Dutchman’s first-choice right-back whenever he has been available, which is not surprising given Wan-Bissaka’s well-documented attacking limitations.
Although the Portuguese star has had more success attacking, his defensive flaws could cost him a first-team spot if the Dumfries deal goes through.
The issue with Wan-Bissaka’s possible departure is a scarcity of suitors.
Man United must find someone desperate enough to take on the 25-year-old’s high wages, which could be difficult.
