Who is Denzel Dumfries? The Dutch international who could replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka at Man Utd

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries.

Right-back has been one of United’s most talked about positions ahead of the transfer window opening on Friday, with plenty of rumours linking incomings and outgoings in that role.

But signing Dumfries is not a straightforward situation, with one of Europe’s biggest clubs also interested in signing him, according to reports in Italy.

We’ve rounded up the latest on the situation and whether a transfer would make sense for United.

Who is Denzel Dumfries?

Aged 26, Dumfries is best known in the UK for his contributions to the Dutch national team at last summer’s Euro 2020.

Dumfries scored a memorable late winner to beat Ukraine in the Netherlands’ opening game, before netting again in a 2-0 victory over Austria four days later.

The defender has been a regular on the international scene for the past two years and hasn’t missed any of his country’s last 22 matches. He also scored in Monday’s 4-1 Nations League win over Belgium.

At club level, Dumfries began his career at Sparta Rotterdam, before moving to Heerenveen. In 2018, he joined PSV Eindhoven and then his impressive displays at the Euros earned the right-back a move to Inter last summer.

In the 2021/22 season, Dumfries played 45 games in all competitions and scored five goals. The Dutchman is more accomplished as an attacking wing-back than a defensive option, a style which aligns perfectly with Ten Hag’s philosophy.

What’s been reported?

Italian outlet Calciomercato claim United are interested in signing the defender, and say it’s something Inter would be willing to discuss as they’d prefer to retain the services of Alessandro Bastoni, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Calciomercato also add Bayern Munich are exploring the option of bringing Dumfries to Bavaria and are ‘pushing hard’ to complete a deal.

It comes as speculation grows that Aaron Wan-Bissaka could leave the club this summer, with several outlets claiming he is not part of Ten Hag’s plans.

The Manchester Evening reported recently that Wan-Bissaka has been offered to one club, while Crystal Palace are interested in resigning United’s No.29.

The MEN also claim United have received offers for Diogo Dalot but have no plans to sell him, with AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid all interested in the Portuguese full-back.

Does a transfer make sense?

For a number of reasons this seems like a good move for everyone. Wan-Bissaka’s future looks destined to be away from Old Trafford and United need reinforcements in that area.

Dalot is capable and has potential, but he also still lacks the consistency in his game to start for a side hoping to regain a spot in the Champions League next season. The same can be said of Brandon Williams, who returns from a year-long loan at Norwich City this summer.

Should Dumfries sign for United, he would be a significant upgrade on Dalot and Williams, while his attacking style and directness would suit Ten Hag’s offensive philosophy.

He’s also a player the new United manager knows well from his time working in Dutch football, and Dumfries’s age, experience playing in Europe and injury record over recent years are bonuses.