Chelsea and Tottenham look set to battle it out over the signing of Inter defender Denzel Dumfries in the January transfer window.
The Blues are keen to sign a new right wing-back to provide competition and cover for Reece James, with the England international still recovering from a knee injury. Dumfries has similar traits and attributes to James and was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge over the summer.
Antonio Conte was keen to raid his former club during the summer transfer window, but a deal for both Dumfries and Alessandro Bastoni failed to materialise. Spurs instead signed Djed Spence from Middlesbrough, but the young defender has failed to make an impact on Conte's team since signing and is expected to go out on loan in January, meaning the Lilywhites may reignite their interest in the Dutch defender.
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The two London rivals may soon be drawn into a potential January bidding war for Dumfries, who could reportedly be available for just £26million when the transfer window reopens. Inter have slashed the Dutch defender's asking price, according to Calciomercatoweb, which could now see plenty of clubs act on their interest to secure a cheaper deal for the Netherlands international.
Conte has been clear that he wants further signings to aid Tottenham's bid to secure a top-four spot in the Premier League once again come the end of the season. The Italian boss is renowned for setting his teams up to be solid defensively, and he may look to bring in Dumfries, whom he worked with at Inter, to replace the likes of Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal.
Chelsea need a quality backup for James, with the wing-back roles proving crucial to how the Blues play. With both the Blues and Spurs needing Dumfries services in defence, it could see Inter benefit the most as a bidding war prepares to get underway.
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