Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has reportedly identified a score of targets as the January transfer window approaches, with Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries at the top of the winter shopping list. 

With the right-back position an area that Ten Hag is actively seeking to replenish, the marauding Netherlands sensation has been highlighted for a move, following his impressive exploits at the World Cup in Qatar.

According to prominent Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona hold an interest in Diogo Dalot, who has recently emerged as the first-choice right-back at Old Trafford. The report adds that United may sanction the departure of the 23-year-old if terms cannot be agreed with the Portuguese defender.

With Dumfries available for around €55m (£48m), Dalot’s prospective departure could set the wheels in motion and provide the Red Devils with an upgrade at right-back. 

An upgrade on Dalot

Dumfries has made 20 appearances for Inter this season, scoring two goals and setting up a further three as the Nerazzurri chase silverware. 

However, it is his endeavours for the Netherlands at the World Cup which have truly reaffirmed his stature as a “deadly” weapon to wield down the right flank. As per Sofascore, the 42-cap ace started all five matches for his nation in Qatar, contributing with a goal and two assists – all clinched in a remarkable 8.6-rated performance in the round of 16 against USA. 

It was the complete package from Dumfries which would have pleased the likes of Ten Hag, with his 1.6 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game highlighting his defensive aptitude when called upon, despite thriving as an attacking outlet. 

Hailed for his “breathless” displays by the likes of Micah Richards, the 26-year-old would likely harness his forward-thinking approach and merge with the United manager’s own philosophy to wreak havoc on Premier League defences. 

Dalot, while a promising prospect, simply does not offer the same level of creative flair as Dumfries, with United seeking new dimensions for the forward effort to drive a charge for silverware.

The Portuguese defender has made just seven goal contributions in 85 games for United, just two more than the Dutchman has managed in 20 appearances this term, so Dumfries would certainly offer an attacking upgrade.

With Barcelona lurking around the corner, seemingly intent on forging a deal for the 23-year-old, the Red Devils could look to maximise their profit from the deal and issue a like-for-like switch by placing Dumfries into the fray.

Reportedly earning £55k-per-week at Inter, Dumfries is demonstrating on the biggest stage that he can offer the skill set to fix Man United’s right-back issues; and with the desire for major honours intensifying among the Old Trafford fan base – the club last clinched silverware in 2017 – Dumfries could be the catalyst for change.