Erik ten Hag leading Man Utd’s hunt to sign Denzel Dumfries, Aston Villa also in the mix

According to FC Inter News, Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, is the “primary sponsor” of the team’s pursuit of Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries this summer.

Since Ten Hag took over as manager, Dumfries has been continuously linked

to a move to Old Trafford, and the rumors are certain to persist before the next transfer window opens.

The defender’s current contract with the Nerazzurri runs out at the end of the

following campaign, and as of right now, Inter and his agents are at odds about the defender’s salary range.

The Serie A team will not save any money on taxes when signing a new

contract with a foreign player because the Italian Growth Decree has been

discontinued. This has made the future of Dumfries less certain.

As per FC Inter News, Ten Hag is a big admirer of the Netherlands international and the ‘main sponsor’ for the signing. However, Villa have opted to ‘test the waters’ by contacting his camp.

Unai Emery’s side are exploring a summer deal for the versatile full-back much ‘to the joy’ of Inter. The Nerazzurri are hoping for an auction between the clubs to raise the price tag.

United’s interest in Dumfries could be agent-driven

The Red Devils have been much fancied to sign Dumfries over the past couple of years. It was claimed last year that Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be sold for the Dutchman’s arrival.

That kind of stuff did not occur. The present contract with Wan-Bissaka expires in the summer of 2025. United may decide not to look for a new right-back if he signs a new, long-term contract.

If not, the club will probably approve his sale this summer. Although a replacement will be signed, Dumfries, who turns 28 in April, is not someone we see United pursuing.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is eager to get the team’s average age down, and the team will probably concentrate on signing younger players who Ten Hag thinks have the potential to be better.

We believe that the rumors tying Dumfries to an Old Trafford move may be motivated by agents. United is inviting bids for the seasoned ace by using them as a negotiating chip.

The Red Devils should prioritize signing Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen, who has a €40 million release clause in his contract, above pursuing the €30 million star.

Right-back or right wing-back Frimpong has been excellent this season, netting seven goals and dishing out ten assists in 26 games for Leverkusen.

Even though he is only 23, if he can maintain his form, he would be a significant improvement over Diogo Dalot.