Manchester United target Denzel Dumfries wants to stay at Inter Milan, says club chief

Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio says Denzel Dumfries has signalled his desire to stay on at the club, pouring cold water on rumours linking the right-back with Manchester United.

Dumfries has made over 130 appearances across three campaigns with Inter, helping the Italian giants lift six pieces of silverware, including an historic 20th Scudetto last season.

But Dumfries’ contract negotiations had appeared to have reached an impasse and speculation has been mounting that the 28-year-old could be set for the exit door at the San Siro.

The Premier League has been mooted as a possible destination for Dumfries and United have been credited with a strong interest in the Netherlands international, who has reportedly been keen on the idea of completing a move to Old Trafford.

Last month, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Dumfries was deemed surplus to requirements at Inter and the Dutchman – soon to enter into the final year of his contract – was available for a fee of €30million (£26m) this summer.

However, speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Inter chief Ausilio suggested Dumfries still had a future at the club and had told him he wished to stay put, despite interest from United and Aston Villa.

‘I spoke with Dumfries recently. Beyond his contract situation, which we’ll attend to with his representatives in the next few days, Dumfries has expressed the desire to stay to me,’ Ausilio said.

‘Then, if other opportunities arrive that he’d like to take into consideration, we’ll deal with those things in the right moment.

‘But as of today, Dumfries is an Inter player and he confirmed to me that he wants to stay.

‘So at the moment, we’re not thinking about anything as far as the right flank other than our own players.’

Meanwhile, Ausilio said it would represent ‘continuity’ for Inter should Simone Inzaghi sign a contract extension after steering the club to a 20th Serie A title last term.

‘This will be the fourth season beginning with Inzaghi. The one that just passed was fantastic,’ he added.

‘We want to be competitive right from the off, and to try and confirm our status as champions.’

Ausilio continued: ‘The other teams are doing very well, we’ll have to be determined and strong right away to keep Inter where they are next season.

‘The team is already strong the way it is.

‘If there are any transfer opportunities, we’ll be there.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.