Manchester United Racing With Barcelona To Sign $51M Defender Who Could Replace Wan-Bissaka: Details

Manchester United have reportedly joined FC Barcelona in the race to sign Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries this summer.

Barcelona are finding it difficult to land Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta, who still has a year left on his contract. The Blues are not willing to sell their captain at a lower price and the Catalans are not interested in spending big on Azpilicueta.

The Camp Nou side has identified Inter Milan defender Dumfries as an ideal alternative for Azpi ahead of the 2022-23 season, Spanish outlet Fichajes reported. Since Dumfries is contracted with Inter Milan until 2025, the Serie A club has leverage in the negotiations and they have reportedly labeled the right-back with an asking price of around $51 million.

Manchester United are stepping up their efforts for the 26-year-old as the Red Devils are preparing an offer for the defender, according to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport.

Following the departure of Achraf Hakimi to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last summer, Inter Milan signed Dumfries from PSV Eindhoven. However, the San Siro side is open to selling Dumfries if they receive an ideal bid.

It is still unclear if Manchester United are willing to spend as high as $51 million on a right-back as the Old Trafford side already has two right-backs in Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. But, since the latter is not believed to be on Erik ten Hag's plans, he could be sold this summer and Dumfries could certainly come in as a replacement.

Wan-Bissaka has been linked with Jose Mourinho's Roma, whereas the Englishman's previous club Crystal Palace are also interested in securing the defender on a loan deal, according to The Hard Tackle.

Manchester United have not won a title since the 2016-17 season. Last term, the Red Devils even failed to secure a Champions League slot after finishing outside the top four of the 2021-22 Premier League.