Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Denzel Dumfries swap deal still a live issue

There could be a surprise twist in the Aaron Wan-Bissaka transfer saga as a swap deal for Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries remains on the table.

This is according to The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell, who also confirms that United and West Ham have reached an agreement over the full back’s fee.

Whitwell reports that “West Ham have shown willing to meet United’s £18m price tag and offer the player wages within reach of the club’s top earners.

“But negotiations are on at United to find a financial agreement with the 26-year-old to exit.

“United wish to add this potential payment to West Ham’s transfer fee, and the overall package has not yet been agreed.

“Wan-Bissaka is also of interest to Inter in a potential swap deal with Denzel Dumfries, which is still a live situation, although Ten Hag’s apparent preference for Mazraoui is a factor.”

It seems strange that Wan-Bissaka is asking for compensation to terminate his £90,000 a week contract at United if, as Whitwell says, the Hammers are willing to place him among their top earners. They have seven players earning over £100,000 a week and their best paid full back, Emerson, is on £95,000 a week.

The defender will point out that United triggered the one-year extension in his contract to protect his value this summer and so he should be entitled to a part of the amount they gain. This is especially true given that he will be entitled to walk away for free in 12 months’ time and command a decent signing-on fee.

As for the swap deal with Dumfries, despite the mention from the ever-reliable Whitwell, at first glance, this seems like a long shot, with United closing in on Mazraoui and Inter themselves very close to agreeing a new deal with the Dutchman, according to this morning’s paper edition of Gazzetta dello Sport.

However, United may still spring a surprise, as Erik ten Hag has been chasing his compatriot for some time. Moreover, it was reported that Wan-Bissaka would prefer a switch to Inter over the London club.

All therefore seems likely to hinge on Wan-Bissaka’s will and on his settlement demand, the value of which remains unreported.

As in the case of transfer targets Jarrad Branthwaite and Manuel Ugarte, Ineos have shown themselves to be perfectly capable of walking away from deals they consider unreasonable and are unlikely to allow the former Crystal Palace man to hold a gun to their head.