Yahoo News Aston Villa hero wants Denzel Dumfries swap deal but Inter director puts his foot down
Alan Hutton hopes Aston Villa can wrap up the signing of Denzel Dumfries this summer, despite Inter Milan's latest announcement.
Unai Emery and Co have already been battling intensely on the transfer front and on the first day of July, took the list of Villa 's new recruits for the summer up to five with the announcement of three arrivals. Both Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea's double-arrival from Juventus went through, as did the highly-anticipated return of Ross Barkley from Luton Town.
Now the manager has received a message to quickly dip back into the Italian market and secure a sixth signing, Dumfries. The experienced Inter and Netherlands full-back was linked with a Villa Park switch heading into the summer.
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"I really like Denzel Dumfries,” Hutton now tells Villa News. “I think he’s an outstanding footballer. I remember seeing him years back when he was playing with the Netherlands and he was just up and down, very aggressive and he looked very difficult to get past as well.
"He’s a big guy with lots of experience and he knows what it’s like to play in front of big crowds. It can be hostile at times when you think of the big tournaments that he’s played in so that all helps."
After giving his seal of approval, the now-retired defender named the player he would include in a part-money, part-player swap exchange.
"I think he’s slightly older than [Matty] Cash, but that’s his position and he knows how to play it," Hutton continued. "He can play wing-back, he can play full-back so he’s versatile as well and that all helps.
"I like Cash, I do like him as a player but I understand him maybe wanting to go and try something else, especially with one of the Milan teams. But I think if you’re getting a player like Dumfries coming the other way, I think that would be an outstanding signing."
Dumfries, currently competing at Euro 2024, has now officially entered the final year of his contract at the San Siro. His experience at the top level, particular 30 Champions League appearances, could be invaluable to a squad relatively inexperienced overall as they prepare to enter UEFA's elite competition next campaign.
But that said, Inter are willing to put up a fight as via Fabrizio Romano, the club's sporting director, Piero Ausilio, remains adamant that both parties are intent on striking a renewed deal.
He said: "We want Dumfries to sign a new deal, he wants to stay with us. We'll follow up in talks over new contract soon". "We'll try to find best solution for all parties with new contract, higher salary and longer deal. He's key player for us."
