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Manchester United

Premier League • England

Transfer Gossip: Man Utd, Chelsea learn Inter’s decision with transfer date set for attacking upgrade; Kane hangs Tottenham out to dry

Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries

A trusted source has revealed Inter Milan’s plan for an attack-minded Man Utd and Chelsea target, while Harry Kane has left Tottenham in the lurch – both in Saturday’s Transfer Gossip.

MAN UTD, CHELSEA LEARN INTER DECISION

Gianluca di Marzio has shed light on what Inter Milan will decide regarding Chelsea and Man Utd target, Denzel Dumfries.

The Dutch international, 26, continues to be a lethal operator at right wing-back. Since the beginning of last season, Dumfries has plundered seven goals and nine assists at club level alone.

He quickly eased any fears Inter had over how difficult it would be to replace Achraf Hakimi. However, his sparkling form has provided Inter with a different type of problem altogether.

Indeed, various reports have put Dumfries on the radar of two of England’s leading lights – Manchester United and Chelsea.

Chelsea’s interest has surged since Reece James suffered a knee injury. James is expected to miss the World Cup in Qatar, though is in line to feature for Chelsea straight after.

However, James’ injury record is far from spotless in his short career to date. Furthermore, Graham Potter’s back-up options – Cesar Azpilicueta and Ruben Loftus-Cheek – are far from ideal.

Azpilicueta remains a tidy operator, though is now 33. Loftus-Cheek deputises on the right when required, but is a central midfielder by trade.

Man Utd, meanwhile, are known to want an attacking upgrade at right-back. Diogo Dalot continues to impress, though his attacking numbers (three goals contributions in 15 months) pale in comparison to Dumfries’ (16 goal contributions).

Jeremie Frimpong is another right-sided defender Erik ten Hag likes. If either he or Dumfries were signed, they’d compete with Dalot and the fall guy would be Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Inter set new transfer date

A January move for Dumfries for a fee in the region of £43m has been speculated. However, according to reliable Italian journalist, Gianluca di Marzio, Inter will put any and all suitors’ hopes on hold for six more months.

Via the Express, Di Marzio explained: “He (Dumfries) is doing a good job at Inter.

“They don’t want to sell Dumfries, but you know the economic situation of Inter is particular because the club is having economic problems, and so I think every player at Inter could be sold.

“But at this moment, the owner of Inter and Simone Inzaghi and the managers, they decided not to touch the most important players until the end of the season – Dumfries, [Milan] Skriniar.

“They will try to keep the most important players until the end of the season.”

HARRY KANE PUTS TOTTENHAM ON ICE

Meanwhile, Spurs talisman, Harry Kane, has left his boyhood club facing an anxious wait after putting contract talks on hold.

The 29-year-old is unquestionably Tottenham’s most important and influential player.

He is simultaneously their most creative player as well as their most clinical player. A Tottenham eleven without Harry Kane simply would not carry anywhere near the same threat.

For the time being at least, that’s not something any Spurs fan – or manager – has to contend with. However, Kane’s contract expires in the summer of 2024 and according to the Evening Standard, extension talks have been shelved.

They report Kane has forced Tottenham into waiting until after the World Cup before learning whether he wishes to pen fresh terms.

Spurs were initially confident over the summer Kane would extend his stay. After his potential move to Man City was rejected by Tottenham in 2021, the common consensus was Kane would remain in north London for the long haul.

However, Bayern Munich continue to sniff around having put their hunt for a Robert Lewandowski replacement on hold until 2023. Manchester United, meanwhile, have been labelled the “perfect” next step in Kane’s career.

Despite initial hope, Kane is understood to not have begun negotiations over a new Tottenham deal in any way, shape or form.

Spurs are reluctant to allow Kane to enter the final year of his deal. As such, all eyes will be on how talks progress – if indeed they do – between January and June.

While the likeliest outcome at present does appear to be Kane signing a new deal, one thing is for sure: there won’t be a shortage of suitors if Kane does move on.

Another potentially worrying update from a Spurs perspective regards Antonio Conte. The Italian is out of contract at season’s end and has reportedly buried the hatchet with a former employer.

What’s more, the current manager at the same former employer is presiding over a nightmare season and change could be on the horizon.

WEST HAM STAR WANTS OUT

Finally, a veteran West Ham defender reportedly wants out in January.

That’s according to Football Insider, who report 32-year-old Craig Dawson’s time with the Hammers is coming to an end.

Dawson has proved a shrewd signing since his arrival from Watford. Indeed, he featured more than even he might’ve expected last season with the injury bug biting in central defence.

His performances were strong and he was lovingly referred to as ‘Ballon d’Awson’ at times. However, with the injured players now back and new signings Nayef Aguerd and Thilo Kehrer in the mix, Dawson’s gametime has plummeted.

Dawson had been lined up by Wolves late in the last window, though a £4m deal ultimately fell through.

Whether that deal will be revived is unclear, though what is clear is Dawson wishes to move up north to be closer to his family who are based in Cheshire.

Dawson is out of contract in the summer, meaning a January move to recoup a small fee would make sense. West Ham won’t stand in his way.