Manchester United are ‘pursuing’ Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries, although a January move will be ‘really difficult’, journalist Fabrizio Romano has informed GiveMeSport.

The Red Devils are believed to be in the market for a new right-back with Aaron Wan-Bissaka surplus to requirements, and Dumfries has emerged as a potential option for Erik ten Hag.

Manchester United transfer news – Denzel Dumfries

Italian outlet CalcioMercatoWeb has claimed that both United and fellow Premier League outfit Chelsea are interested in prising Dumfries away from San Siro.

It’s believed that Inter are set to demand €50 million (£43m) for the Netherlands international, though, a fee that may prove prohibitive to either side.

Both Reece James and Diogo Dalot have been impressive on the right-hand-side of defence for their respective clubs, and Dumfries may prove to be an extremely expensive back-up option.

The attack-minded full-back still has two-and-a-half-years left to run on his existing contract with Inter, leaving them in a strong position around the negotiating table.

What has Romano said about Dumfries?

United may need to prioritise a striker following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the club, and Romano has questioned whether Erik ten Hag has the budget to bring in Dumfries as well.

In an interview with GMS, he said: “I don't see them honestly investing crazy money on that position.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

“So, when I see links to Denzel Dumfries, it's true that they are pursuing the player, but I think it's going to be really difficult for them to sign Dumfries in January especially having a budget limited because of the Glazer situation and also because they need a striker.

“So, I don't see the Dumfries deal available for Man United in January.”

Would Dumfries be a good signing?

Dumfries has established himself as one of the best attacking right-backs in the game during his time at Inter, registering seven goals and 10 assists in 65 appearances across all competitions.

As per FBref, the 6 foot 2 ace has also ranked in the 99^th percentile for non-penalty expected goals and touches inside the attacking penalty area, 98^th for total shots, and 97^th for progressive passes received amongst his positional peers over the last year.

However, his defensive abilities have often come into question, and he has only ranked in the 12^th percentile for clearances, 9^th for interceptions, and 7^th for tackles in the same time period.

United may be better off focussing their limited resources elsewhere, therefore, especially if Dalot puts pen to paper on a new long-term contract.