Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Real Madrid muscle in on Man Utd, Tottenham move for ‘breathless’ World Cup star whose price has skyrocketed

Netherlands wing-back Denzel Dumfries

A Netherlands ace who’s thriving in Qatar now counts Real Madrid on his list of suitors with Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea, and a report claims his price tag has soared ahead of a January exit.

The winter World Cup is giving clubs willing to splash the cash in January the perfect opportunity to scout their targets. Louis van Gaal’s Dutch side have progressed to the quarter final stage and several of his stars are coming under the microscope.

Cody Gakpo is perhaps the most high profile, with a move to Man Utd now taking shape.

TEAMtalk exclusively learned Liverpool’s stance on hijacking Gakpo’s proposed move to Old Trafford. Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, also detailed a key connection in the Red Devils’ favour.

Elsewhere, right wing-back, Denzel Dumfries, is a man in demand. Like Gakpo, he could also be on the move in January.

The Inter star, 26, was labelled “breathless” by the BBC’s Martin Keown for his marauding display in the Round of 16 against the USA.

Just when the Americans had pulled one back to set up a grandstand finish, Dumfries delivered the dagger when coolly slotting home Daley Blind’s inch-perfect cross at the far post. The entire right flank was masterfully controlled by Dumfries from first whistle to last.

Inter are understood to be seeking a January sale of one of their most high profile stars. The Serie A giant need to balance their books and Dumfries is the man they’ve determined can go.

Man Utd, Tottenham, Chelsea all interested

Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea have all been linked by varying outlets. United are open to selling Aaron Wan-Bissaka in January and Dumfries would represent a more suitable attacking upgrade for Erik ten Hag.

Spurs, meanwhile, have plenty of options in the position, though none are ideal. Djed Spence has barely got a look-in, while doubts persist as to whether Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty are of the standard required.

Chelsea have Reece James who is arguably one of the best in his position in the world. However, he continues to struggle with injury and his primary back-up, Cesar Azpilicueta, is 33.

A fee in the region of £30m has been speculated as being enough to make Inter sing. However, according to the Spanish press, Dumfries’ price tag has soared. Even worse news for the English trio, Real Madrid are mobilising.

It’s claimed Carlo Ancelotti is seeking a more attacking option at right-back. The fact Dani Carvajal’s best days are also behind him is emboldening Ancelotti’s cause.

Dumfries is described as ‘interested in making the jump’ to a European powerhouse who’ll reward him with an increased salary. Real, as well as the Premier League suitors would all tick that box.

Inter are already understood to be mulling replacements and have two names in mind. Juventus’ Juan Cuadrado and Genk’s Ángelo Preciado are in their sights, primarily because they’re out of contract next year and will come cheap.

Inter are fully aware of the growing interest in Dumfries and his exploits in Qatar are a godsend for the Italian side’s financial department.

What was once a £30m price tag has now reportedly risen to between €50m-€60m. As such, any move to England could now cost as much as £43m-£51.5m

If Dumfries continues to impress at the World Cup, Inter are likely to get it, though from who is more difficult to answer than ever.

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