Man Utd rocked as Aston Villa 'test the waters' for Ten Hag target

Tom Weber

• 8 Feb 2024 15:55 GMT
• 3 min read

Erik ten Hag is the driving force behind Manchester United's interest in Denzel Dumfries, but the Dutchman isn't the only one keen on the right-back.

The Inter star has established himself as one of Europe's best players in his position and there is a growing expectation in Italy that the 27-year-old will depart the club in the summer. Dumfries' contract expires in 2025 and there has been little progress in getting him to extend, forcing the Nerrazzuri to cash in on him in the next transfer window.

The Dutchman will have no shortage of suitors in the summer, that's for sure. Man Utd have been perpetually linked with a move for Erik ten Hag's compatriot and indeed it is claimed that the Red Devils boss is the driving force behind the club's interest in the defender.

Right-back is a position that has been giving Ten Hag headaches ever since he arrived at Old Trafford. While Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have enjoyed good spells of form at times, their performances have also often left a lot to be desired. Ten Hag already wanted to sign an upgrade for that part of the pitch, but the lack of resources and Financial Fair Play wiggle room made a deal impossible.

Villa enter the race

The fresh funds of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS will ease Man Utd's financial concerns, but that doesn't automatically mean that Dumfries will definitely be on his way to Manchester in the summer. According to FCInterNews, Aston Villa have joined the Red Devils in the race to sign the Dutchman.

The Italian outlet asserts that Unai Emery's side have "tested the waters with the agents of former PSV Eindhoven man in the last few hours." Villa, it is claimed, are "starting to think big" given that they are enjoying an impressive season and could be playing Champions League football next term.

Despite Villa's approach, the outlet acknowledges that it is still too early for anything concrete to materialise and that the interest could just as well fade away again between now and the end of the season. Nevertheless, Inter are hoping for a summer bidding war, so they are delighted with the news that interest in Dumfries' services remains high.