Fabrizio Romano confirmed Man Utd are looking to replace a costly flop in January and two potential replacements have been identified, though signing one will require a “really huge bid.”
Two positions are expected to be addressed at Old Trafford next month. A new striker will hoover up most of the headlines with the club’s pursuit brought forward following Cristiano Ronaldo’s premature exit.
Cody Gakpo remains United’s primary target in the final third. The Dutchman has better than a goal contribution per game for PSV Eindhoven this season and has three goals for the Netherlands in Qatar.
The 23-year-old is by no means the club’s only forward target, however. Indeed, today’s Transfer Gossip shed light on a Portuguese livewire who’s also caught Erik ten Hag’s eye.
The second position Manchester United are likely to address is right-back.
Diogo Dalot has rarely put a foot wrong and has established himself as first-choice this season. That’s come at the expense of Aaron Wan-Bissaka whose future in Manchester looks increasingly bleak.
TEAMtalk exclusively revealed two Premier League sides are interested in signing £50m flop Wan-Bissaka in January. Providing an update on the right-back situation via his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed the 25-year-old could depart.
The transfer guru also ran the rule over two potential replacements on United’s radar – Denzel Dumfries and Jeremie Frimpong.
Dumfries will cost Man Utd a small fortune
The Dutch pair are both in Qatar at present and it’s Dumfries that’s getting the nod to start for Louis van Gaal.
Dumfries was recently labelled “breathless” by the BBC’s Martin Keown following a marauding display against the USA.
Recent reports out of Spain have claimed Real Madrid also like what they see. Tottenham and Chelsea are also believed to be among Dumfries’ admirers.
His club, Inter Milan, are known to be exploring a January sale of one of their most high profile stars to help balance the books. Dumfries is the man they’ve reportedly determined can go.
However, per Romano, United will require a “really huge bid” if they’re to replace Wan-Bissaka with Dumfries. Romano stopped short of stating a figure, but prior reports have suggested Inter are now seeking €50m-€60m on the back of his World Cup exploits.
“We know he was in the list of Manchester United during the summer but then Inter decided to keep the player,” said Romano.
“He’s been amazing with the Netherlands in the World Cup, scoring goals, providing assists, but now is about the price.
“Inter are not open to sell Dumfries for €25m to €30m, they want way more than this, and also the player is really happy in Milan.
“To see a potential change for Dumfries in January, a really huge bid is needed. He’s a player that’s been appreciated a long time by Manchester United and Chelsea.”
He went on to clarify: “At the moment there are no negotiations ongoing.”
Frimpong a cheaper alternative
Romano then suggested it is entirely possible Wan-Bissaka is moved on in January, at which point signing a new right-back will assume greater significance.
Aside from Dumfries, Bayer Leverkusen’s Frimpong, 21, was mentioned as being scouted by United.
Romano concluded Frimpong should cost far less than Dumfries – approximately £21m – and would be “really keen” on moving to England and especially to Man Utd.
Frimpong’s signing could share similarities with that of Tyrell Malacia – a younger star who’ll compete with the more established player (Luke Shaw / Diogo Dalot), but not actually displace them.
Dumfries, on the other hand, would expect to start consistently over Dalot if signed.
TRANSFER GOSSIP: Ten Hag unconvinced by Gakpo as Man Utd chase double deal for World Cup talents; Leeds challenge Wolves for Atletico star
