Chelsea are likely to be on high alert in the January transfer window for any right-back options following the injury setback suffered to Reece James on Boxing Day. In his first game back against Bournemouth, after missing over two months of football, James was withdrawn just after half time with a fresh knee problem.
Although it looks likely James will be available again towards the end of January, the Blues will be far more careful in ensuring he is eased back into competitive football. The plan for his return and his impact being greatly missed at full-back means that Chelsea have enquired about a number of James alternatives in the winter window.
Josip Juranovic, Nahuel Molina, Pedro Porro and Denzel Dumfries have all been linked to a Stamford Bridge switch, with Tottenham, a team also in the hunt for a right-back, also linked to the final two names listed.
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There is no clear transfer battle or saga to occur for Porro as it is quite simply pay the €45million (£39.9million) release clause set by Sporting CP in his contract or don't bother entering talks. However, for Dumfries there are a number of mitigating factors at play which could see him stay at Inter, sold at a cut-price deal, or arrive in the Premier League and join the highest bidder, especially now another English team has enquired about the Dutchman.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Manchester United have declared their interest in Dumfries and seemingly leapfrogged Chelsea in the race for his signature, although Inter are yet to receive an official proposal. The recent possible injury setback to Diogo Dalot may prompt Erik ten Hag to push for a new right-back with Aaron Wan-Bissaka now his only natural option in the position.
Although United appear to hold the advantage over Chelsea for the 26-year-old, the same was said for Mykhailo Mudryk who looked destined to join Arsenal. However, in the space of one day that stance completely changed and in the week football.london reported a transfer to the Gunners was the closest it had ever been, the 22-year-old then signed for Chelsea at the end of that very week.
If Dumfries is deemed as the ideal option for Chelsea, they could repeat the same tactic used to acquire Mudryk by allowing United to do much of the leg work before swooping in and signing him. Talks stalling between United and Inter over a fee is certainly possible as the asking price from Inter is currently unclear though.
The above report suggests the Nerazzurri would consider opening bids at €40million (£35.4million), but Gazzetta dello Sport claim Inter have given the defender a €60million (£53million) price tag.
It is also worth noting that in the TuttoMercatoWeb report the contract decision of Milan Skriniar could play a key role in Dumfries' own future. The centre-back not signing a new deal could prompt Inter to seek a financial fee for Dumfries to perhaps soften the blow of the club losing one of the most important players on a free transfer.
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