Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd fail with €30m swap bid including surprise sacrifice but learn ‘it is certain’ defensive target will move

Rafael Leao, Denzel Dumfries, AC Milan, Inter Milan, March 2022

Denzel Dumfries has reportedly been the subject of an offer from Man Utd, but it was insufficient – and now another Premier League side are classed as the favourites to sign him.

Many Premier League clubs have been looking at Dumfries during the World Cup. He has started every match for the Netherlands so far. Most recently, he contributed to every goal in a 3-1 win over the USA in the last 16.

Despite his prominence on the international stage, his current club Inter Milan are willing to cash in on him.  They still need to balance the books and have chosen Dumfries as someone they could sacrifice.

It has led to links with Man Utd, Chelsea and Tottenham. Now, it appears the former have made the first move.

According to journalist Ciro Venerato, via 1 Football Club, Man Utd have made a bid of €30million (£25.9million) plus the services of Diogo Dalot for Dumfries. It is unclear how much value Dalot – who is out of contract at the end of the season, but has been Erik ten Hag’s regular starter at right-back this season – would bring to the operation.

However, Inter are ready to reject Man Utd’s proposal and stick with Dumfries until the summer. If Man Utd still want to sign the Netherlands international, they won’t be able to in January.

That said, Corriere Dello Sport is reporting that “it is certain” Inter will be selling Dumfries in 2023. The Italian newspaper corroborates that the Nerazzurri would prefer to hold on to the 26-year-old until the end of the season.

Worryingly for Man Utd, it is also claimed that Chelsea are the “big favourites” to win the race for Dumfries.

They may be able to accommodate Inter’s preferred formula of selling Dumfries in January but then loaning him back to San Siro for the rest of the season.

Beyond then, Dumfries would be ready to compete with Reece James for a regular starting spot at right-back in Graham Potter’s system.

Before the Blues can start thinking of how to get Dumfries in their lineup, they must buy him. To do so, they will need to outbid Man Utd.

It could cost a fortune to get hold of the former PSV man. His agent has already expressed concerns that his performances at the World Cup will be making him harder to sell.

Ultimately, there could be a bidding war, in which Chelsea and Man Utd will likely be involved. Only time will tell who comes out on top.

Man Utd more suitable for Denzel Dumfries

Despite Chelsea being in the lead at present, moving to Man Utd might make more sense for Dumfries.

First and foremost, he would be working under another Dutchman in the shape of Ten Hag. The Man Utd manager could be the most helpful in terms of his transition to Premier League football.

Besides, Chelsea already have a long-term option at right-back with James. While it is true that Dalot has potential for Man Utd, there remains a risk of the Portugal international leaving and Dumfries would be an upgrade anyway.

Therefore, the Inter star could nail down a more regular role at Old Trafford. If he has any say in his future, perhaps he should hold out for the move to Man Utd.

Another factor to consider will be which of his suitors can provide Champions League football for next season. Neither Chelsea nor Man Utd are in the top four yet, but there is still more than half of the season to go.

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