Tottenham make first move to sign potent Man Utd target, but transfer catch could leave Conte fuming

Tottenham have taken the first step towards signing a Man Utd target who has been put up for sale, though the type of deal on offer would leave Antonio Conte shaking his head, per a report.

While by no means as bad as Juventus, Inter Milan have financial problems of their own. The Serie A giant are in desperate need of a mid-season sale to balance their books and per Corriere dello Sport, have determined who they’ll axe.

Dutch right wing-back Denzel Dumfries is the man to go, something that’s alerted three English suitors.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham have all been heavily linked with Dumfries since the summer window slammed shut.

TEAMtalk exclusively revealed Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been told he can leave Man Utd in January. Two EPL sides are already in the running and Dumfries could take his place at Old Trafford.

Chelsea have Reece James in Dumfries’ position, though his primary back-up, Cesar Azpilicueta, is 33.

Spurs, meanwhile, have three right wing-backs on their books, though none have made the position their own during Conte’s tenure. Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty have split time this season. Djed Spence has barely got a look-in.

Now, 90min report it’s Spurs who have responded to Inter’s call for a sale. They claim Tottenham have ‘made enquiries’ and have duly got the ball rolling.

Football Italia recently stated Inter would look to generate around €40m (approx. £34.5m) for Dumfries. If Spurs’ first move prompts Chelsea or Man Utd to perk up too, Inter are likely to get their wish.

Dumfries has scored four and assisted four more for club and country this season. He’d represent an upgrade on all the right-sided options Tottenham, Man Utd and Chelsea can field at present other than Reece James.

However, 90min add a wrinkle to the story that Antonio Conte won’t want to see.

Transfer caveat won’t please Conte

It’s noted Inter’s ideal scenario would indeed be a January sale, though they’d hope to then loan Dumfries straight back for the remainder of the campaign.

Such a deal would do nothing to aid Conte’s efforts this season and would also put any potential exits involving Emerson, Doherty or Spence on ice.

If Inter stick to their guns, the deal could still be worth pursuing if looking long-term, though it’s far from ideal in the here and now.

The battle for top four will be fiercer than ever this season given Newcastle have turned the ‘big six’ into a ‘big seven’.

Inter’s loan demand may well wind up a deal breaker if Conte chooses to prioritise the present, something most managers understandably tend to do.

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