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Manchester United 'draw up three-man shortlist of right-back targets'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 16 December 2022

Man United 'draw up three-man shortlist of right-back targets'

Manchester United view Lyon's Malo Gusto, Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong and Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries as possible right-back additions, according to a report.

Manchester United have reportedly identified Lyon's Malo Gusto, Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong and Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries as right-back targets.

Diogo Dalot has been one of the team's most consistent performers this season, with the 23-year-old making 20 appearances in all competitions, contributing one goal and two assists in the process.

The Portugal international's contract at Old Trafford is due to expire next summer, although the club will soon activate a 12-month extension while they work on a long-term proposal.

Man United are short of cover at right-back, though, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka out of favour at the club, and the Englishman is expected to leave during the January transfer window.

As a result, the Red Devils are said to be preparing to enter the market for a new right-sided full-back, and according to Sky Deutschland, three targets have been identified.

Denzel Dumfries in action for Inter Milan on September 13, 2022 © Reuters

The report claims that Lyon's Gusto has admirers at Old Trafford, while Leverkusen defender Frimpong and Dumfries of Inter are also being considered.

Gusto, 19, will soon enter the final 18 months of his contract, and it is believed that he could be available for the right price during the January market.

The Frenchman has been a key player for Lyon during the 2022-23 campaign, making 14 appearances in France's top flight, contributing one assist in the process.

Frimpong, meanwhile, has also been a vital player for his club this term, scoring five goals and contributing three assists in 21 appearances in all competitions.

Leverkusen director Simon Rolfes recently said that the German side were "very relaxed" over the 22-year-old's future despite the recent speculation.

Erik ten Hag leads Manchester United training on September 7, 2022 © Reuters

"We are very relaxed with Jeremie. It would be fatal if he didn't draw attention to himself from big clubs with these performances," Rolfes told Sky Deutschland.

"He is very conspicuous with his way of playing and is an enormously important player for us. I told him that he will still get his playing time with his quality within the tournament.

"He can decide a game with a single action because he's incredibly quick and good at dribbling. We'll be happy when he's back [after the World Cup] with us. Jeremie has a long-term contract at Leverkusen, so we're very relaxed."

Dumfries, meanwhile, is also being linked with a move away from Inter, with Chelsea also believed to be huge admirers of the 26-year-old, who impressed for the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup.

The full-back has also been in strong form at club level this term, scoring two goals and registering three assists in 20 appearances in all competitions.