Manchester United director John Murtough is eyeing a late swoop for Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries as Erik ten Hag looks to improve his defensive options at Old Trafford.

What’s the news?

That’s according to The Times, who claim that the Netherlands defender is being considered by Ten Hag as he continues his overhaul of the Man United squad.

The 52-year-old is looking for added competition for Diogo Dalot at right-back as he attempts to offload Aaron Wan-Bissaka after three years at the club.

Inter Milan want €40m (£34m) for the 26-year-old if any potential sale is to take place, a fee that United are more than able to afford.

He’s a Wan-Bissaka upgrade

Ten Hag got off to a dreadful start at Old Trafford, losing his first two Premier League matches, conceding six goals and only scoring once. A crucial victory over Liverpool on Monday could well be the catalyst for better things to come, but a few more signings may well be required.

With the manager favouring Dalot over Wan-Bissaka, a move for Dumfries makes perfect sense, and he would be an upgrade on the former Crystal Palace player.

Last season in Serie A, Dumfries won 58% of his aerial duels and lost possession 9.4 times per match, while Wan-Bissaka won only 37% of his aerial duels and lost possession a staggering 14 times per Premier League game. This added aerial prowess is surely something that Ten Hag would want.

One of Dumfries’ strengths is his versatility. He can also operate in a right midfield position if necessary, where he can chip in with some goals throughout the season. He scored five times last term while also supplying four assists and creating six big chances, whereas Wan-Bissaka provided no goal contributions at all during the entire campaign.

Man United’s full-backs only registered 11 goal contributions in all competitions last season (one goal and ten assists), and this is clearly an area where Ten Hag will be demanding more this term.

BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce called Dumfries a “freight train” following his goal for the Netherlands against Austria at Euro 2020, and his alliance of attacking intent and defensive strengths might make him United’s most important signing of the transfer window, if they can bring him in.