Chelsea are reportedly ready to battle Manchester United for the signing of Netherlands defender Denzel Dumfries this summer.
According to La Gazetta dello Sport, Thomas Tuchel's men have expressed an interest in the Inter Milan right-back after he impressed in Italy last season. Dumfries scored five goals and grabbed seven assists in 41 appearances across all competitions.
The Blues' pursuit of Dumfries could be helped by Romelu Lukaku's potential return to Inter, with the Belgian striker close to re-joining the club. The latter has struggled since moving to Chelsea for £97.5million a year ago, netting just eight times in the Premier League.
It is understood Chelsea are set for a major overhaul, with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christiansen leaving and a number of other players linked with moves away. Tuchel has already been eyeing up potential targets and Dumfries seems to be at the top of his list as he looks for a new wing-back, with Reece James increasingly playing on the right side of a three-man defence.
The Blues are not the only side interested in Dumfries, though, with United firmly keen on signing the talented 26-year-old as they try to strengthen their back-line. New Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag knows exactly what Dumfries can bring to the table, having faced the player when Ajax took on PSV in the Eredivisie.
Dumfries could be one of many Dutch internationals to make the switch to Old Trafford this summer, with Frenkie de Jong, Jurrien Timber and Cody Gakpo all named as possible targets. United are yet to make a signing in the summer transfer window after allowing Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani to depart at the end of their contracts.
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Aaron Wan-Bissaka struggled last season and may be offloaded, which would leave room for Dumfries to come in and battle with Diogo Dalot for a starting spot. Before his move to Inter, Dumfries impressed at Euro 2020, where he was named in the Best XI of the group stage of the tournament.
However, the Red Devils are set to face a fight for his signature, with Chelsea now in the race to sign him. Tuchel's side also have the prospect of Champions League football, which could sway Dumfries to join the Blues instead.
United finished with their lowest-ever Premier League points tally last term, having collected just 58 from their 38 matches, meaning they will play in the Europa League next season. There is no doubt Ten Hag must improve on that tally and their position in the league table - and Dumfries could be the perfect first addition of their spending spree.
