Inter close on Buchanan and have Zanotti plan for post-Dumfries

Inter are already planning the future without Denzel Dumfries, as they could get Tajon Buchanan from Club Brugge for €8m in January, then promote Mattia Zanotti from their youth academy.

The plan has been clear for months that Dumfries will be sold on at a hefty profit in the summer of 2024, as his contract runs to June 2025 and negotiations over an extension have hit a brick wall with his agent requesting €5m per season plus bonuses in wages.

Several Premier League clubs are interested, including Manchester United and Newcastle United, with the asking price comfortably treble the €14.25m paid to sign him from PSV Eindhoven in 2021.

With Dumfries and Juan Cuadrado injured, the Nerazzurri are forced to hurry this up by bringing in Buchanan in January.

According to Sky Sport Italia and Tuttomercatoweb, the €6m bid was rejected and €10m requested by Club Brugge, but the clubs should be able to reach an agreement in the middle at €8m.

This is only the beginning, as from next season Inter will have Italy Under-20 international Zanotti back in their ranks after a loan experience in Switzerland with San Gallo.

It would also be a boost for their UEFA squad list to have another player from their own youth academy.