Antonio Conte is keen to improve Tottenham Hotspur’s options at right wing-back and is believed to be targeting Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries.
According to 90min, Conte wants to agree a deal for Dumfries, who he sees as a clear upgrade on Matt Doherty, Emerson Royal and Djed Spence.
His cause is strengthened by Inter’s well-documented financial problems, which mean they need to sell at least one key player by the end of the season.
Dumfries could potentially make way instead of centre-back Milan Skriniar, who has been linked with Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid amongst others.
Inter are believed to be open to selling Dumfries in the January transfer window but will be looking to loan him back for the rest of the season.
The Netherlands international arrived at the San Siro from PSV Eindhoven last summer as a replacement for the departing Achraf Hakimi.
Conte had already left Inter by that point, choosing to step down after winning the Serie A title because of disagreements with the club’s board over transfer policy.
Wing-backs are an integral part of Conte’s preferred 3-5-2 system but he remains unconvinced by Spurs’ options on the right side.
After falling short of the standards required, Doherty or Royal could be sold in January, while a loan move is likely for Spence.
The England Under-21 international signed from Middlesbrough for £20million in a move pursued by the club rather than Conte.
He has made just four brief substitute appearances so far in all competitions, with the manager emphasising his need to improve.
Dumfries represents a readymade alternative with plenty of experience at the top level, prepared to slot into the team and perform as expected straightaway.
The 26-year-old has started all three games for his country at the World Cup, helping them top their group to set up a meeting with the USA in the round of 16.
