Man Utd 'reject Inter Milan swap offer' despite Erik ten Hag's previous agent talks

Manchester United have reportedly turned down the chance to sign Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries. The Serie A side were seemingly prepared to let the Dutchman go to Old Trafford in a swap deal for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, only for the offer to be rejected by the Red Devils.

Wan-Bissaka initially appeared out of favour when Erik ten Hag arrived at the start of last season, but following the 2022 World Cup he displaced Diogo Dalot as the regular starter on the right-side of defence. Despite a hamstring problem disrupting his 2023/24 campaign thus far, the 26-year-old has still made 10 starts for the Red Devils.

A marker of how much the ex-Ajax boss rates him Wan-Bissaka came via the club’s decision this month to trigger a clause in his current contract, extending his deal until the summer of 2025. And according to The Sun, the prospect of exchanging him for Holland’s 50-cap international was swiftly dismissed.

It represents something of a U-turn form Ten Hag who last year was heavily linked with a move for Dumfries. The Athletic reported that the Dutchman held talks with the agent of the 27-year-old, but a deal never materialised.

And the former PSV man proved a crucial figure with the Nerazzurri last season, making 51 club appearances and starring in their run to the Champions League final. He remains a cult hero with the fans, and has again been pivotal of late with Inter firmly in a Serie A title race, second behind leaders Juventus.

However, his £80,000-a-week deal also expires in the summer of 2025, and the player and clubs are reportedly at odds over negotiations on a new contract. Inter are looking to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, and it’s understood they’re asking Dumfries to take a huge cut in wages to remain at the club long-term.

United are also restricted by regulations this month. Despite being linked to host of players, Ten Hag seemingly has to sell before he can buy following his £170million spree in the summer. 

Accepting a swap deal would have represented a huge net loss for the club though, given they signed Wan-Bissaka from Crystal Palace for £50million back in 2019. He initially started well under Ole Gunnar-Solskjaer, but duly received criticism for an apparent lack of threat going forward.

He represented England at under-21 level but despite being called upon by Gareth Southgate for the Euro 2020 qualifiers with Kosovo and Bulgaria, had to withdraw from the squad with a back injury. Still awaiting a first England cap, he has been offered the chance to switch national allegiance and play for Congo.