According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries is being actively pursued by Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.
This season, Diogo Dalot has been the Red Devils’ primary right-back choice. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has only seen four minutes of action this season.
There have been rumours that the 25-year-old could be moved or loaned out before January, and Plettenberg now confirms that the team is considering three right-back candidates.
Malo Gusto of Lyon and Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen are both being considered, but the latter may not be available until the end of the current season.
In addition to the pair, Dumfries is reportedly on the Red Devils’ radar as well. It appears that United manager Ten Hag is working to lure the Dutchman to Old Trafford.
Excl. Malo #Gusto: The 19 y/o is very high rated at #MUFC and one of several top transfer targets as a right back. #Frimpong is still in. Ten Hag is pushing for #Dumfries. Gusto would be a big solution in summer 23. Bosses estimate a price tag of around €30-40m. @SkySportDE 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/Zz0ikYoHcA
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) December 12, 2022
This year, Dalot has seized control of the right-back position. Wan-Bissaka, who lacks an offensive threat, has provided the Portuguese with practically no competition.
United would recieve significant improvement in Dumfries. Over the previous 18 months, the 26-year-old has excelled for both club and country, contributing to multiple goals. His career began as a right back, but as of 2021, he is now a right wing-back. Ten Hag, who favours offensive full-backs, would benefit from the player’s presence.
With his all-around abilities, Dumfries might provide fierce competition for Dalot. He made 1.5 tackles and 1.6 interceptions on average per game as a right-back during his final season at PSV Eindhoven. He should have no issue adapting to the role at Old Trafford. However, Inter has no immediate plans to sell him for less than €60 million.
The board will need to support the manager if they want the team to finish within the top four of the league table this season.