Manchester United, Real Madrid 'dealt blow in Federico Dimarco pursuit'

Manchester United and Real Madrid have reportedly been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Inter Milan left-back Federico Dimarco.

The 25-year-old was a key cog in Simone Inzaghi's machine during the 2022-23 campaign, operating as a left wing-back in a 3-5-2 system and contributing with six goals and 10 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions.

Dimarco gained experience at five difference clubs, including four loan spells in Italy and one brief stint at Swiss side Sion, before establishing himself as a first-team player at Inter in the last two seasons.

The 10-cap Italy international, a product of Inter's academy, was a losing finalist with the Nerrazzuri in the Champions League last month, but he was able to get his hands on both the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana earlier in the campaign.

Dimarco, who became first-choice left wing-back following the departure of Ivan Perisic last summer, is regarded as an influential member of Inter's squad, but his long-term future at San Siro has been questioned in recent weeks.

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The Independent claims that both Man United and Real Madrid have expressed 'concrete interest' in Dimarco and have held talks with Inter over the defender's availability this summer.

Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is said to be attracted by Dimarco's ability to play in a number of positions and believes that the addition of the Italian would strengthen the depth of his squad ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, only have Ferland Mendy and David Alaba as senior left-back options – the latter of whom predominantly played at centre-back, though, so manager Carlo Ancelotti could look to bolster his squad in that department.

Manchester City have also been credited with an interest, but any potential move for Dimarco could prove challenging as La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Inter have no intention of letting the defender leave this summer.

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The report adds that it would take a "really important proposal" for Inter to consider selling the Italian who is regarded as an important player for the club going forward.

It is also claimed that Inter are prepared to reward Dimarco with a new contract and increase his €1.8m-per-year salary, which is currently lower than a number of his teammates.

Dimarco's current deal, which he renewed 18 months ago, is not due to expire until the summer of 2026.

While Dimarco looks set to stay at Inter, the same cannot be said for fellow left-back Robin Gosens, who is free to leave this summer with German duo Wolfsburg and Union Berlin believed to hold an interest in the 28-year-old.