Newcastle to ruthlessly oust unlucky PIF signing after approaching €30m replacement from Serie A

Newcastle United have become the latest contenders to sign Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries, with a report revealing they have made an approach about a transfer.

Dumfries might be sacrificed by Inter this summer because of their need to raise funds. It has led to links with various Premier League clubs. Now, it appears Newcastle are in contention to buy the wing-back.

According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Newcastle have made an enquiry about signing Dumfries. In order to do so, they would have to pay Inter a transfer fee in the region of €30m (£26.5m).

Doing so would be affordable for Newcastle, which in turn puts pressure on Kieran Trippier to retain his role of prominence for Eddie Howe’s side.

Back in January 2022, Trippier became the first signing of the new Newcastle era under the ownership group led by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF).

After his arrival from Atletico Madrid, the England right-back has become one of Howe’s most important players. Yet at the age of 32, he could soon be succeeded by someone else for the long term.

Dumfries is 27 years old, so could take over from Trippier to enjoy his prime years at St. James’ Park.

Trippier to compete with Dumfries at Newcastle

Newcastle signing the Netherlands international wouldn’t necessarily mean that Trippier would have to leave. However, he would likely be overtaken in the pecking order.

As long as he is fine with that, Trippier could still be an important player for Newcastle – where he remains under contract until 2025.

After all, the Magpies are on course to qualify for next season’s Champions League. In preparation, they will have to ensure their squad depth is appropriate.

Dumfries is a player of international pedigree who could help take Newcastle to the next level, even if his form for Inter has admittedly been mixed this season.

Therefore, they might want to consider preparing a bid if they are serious about Dumfries.

Previously, he has also been linked with the likes of Aston Villa, Man Utd and Chelsea. His contract with Inter is due to last until 2025, but that seems to be irrelevant now given their stance on selling him.

Inter are encountering severe financial difficulties again, so will have to sacrifice some players. According to the report, they want to resist offers for Lautaro Martinez, but are open to getting rid of Dumfries, Andre Onana and Marcelo Brozovic, for example.

Back in 2021, similar struggles off the pitch prompted them to sell Achraf Hakimi, whom they replaced with Dumfries. But now it could be time for the ex-PSV man to head off as well.

In all competitions this season, Dumfries has played 42 times, scoring two goals and adding six assists. In contrast, Trippier has one goal and nine assists from 41 appearances in 2022-23.

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