Manchester United have a golden opportunity to resolve one of Michael Carrick's last remaining squad options in this transfer window by capitalising on the contract situation of one serial winner.
Michael Carrick still has some big decisions to make in the transfer window. However, it would mean acting quickly and potentially giving up on one of the club's main targets this summer.
Left-back dilemma
United are being linked with Newcastle's Lewis Hall as a long-term successor to Luke Shaw at left-back. It's a position that has plagued the club for some years now, with Patrick Dorgu failing to prove he's the solution to replace the injury-prone incumbent.
Reports have suggested United will look to take advantage of Eddie Howe's recent resignation by going after 21-year-old Hall. However, Inter Milan's Federico Dimarco represents a much more budget-friendly option compared to the £70million-rated Englishman.
Dimarco's impressive form
Dimarco, 28, admittedly doesn't yield the same long-term benefits. However, United's move for Youri Tielemans is a sign of United's strengthened desire to recruit squad options capable of making a more immediate impact.
And after entering the final 12 months of his contract at the San Siro, a rare opening has presented itself to sign the Italian. Dimarco is coming off the back of a historic season for Inter, during which he set a new Serie A record for assists in a single season (18).
The left-sided star won his second Serie A title in the space of three seasons as a critical piece of Cristian Chivu's puzzle in Milan. Dimarco, who was named the league's Most Valuable Player for his efforts last season, is supposedly being lined up for an extension at the San Siro but could be swayed by a potential move to Old Trafford under his current terms.
Contract situation
Reports emerged in Italy toward the end of the last campaign suggesting Dimarco has a 12-month extension clause in his contract. It was suggested the Nerazzurri will first trigger that option before prolonging the player's stay by a further two years.
It hasn't come to pass as of yet, however, and a club of United's standing can expect to throw a spanner in the works as long as that's the case. Reports also indicate Dimarco earns around £125,000 a week in Milan, terms United wouldn't struggle to match (or slightly improve) in their bid to sign one of the most valuable left-sided assets on the current market.
Tactical adaptation
One potential obstacle that could hamper Dimarco at Old Trafford would be the tactical transition required on the player's part. Chivu's preferred three-at-the-back system permitted the Italy international to roam with freedom down the left flank, similar to the Ruben Amorim regime Carrick has succeeded in veering away from.
The United icon has prospered by moving back to a more traditional four-man defence. Shaw, 31, has still been given licence to advance in that system, albeit through more central channels and less so by hugging the touchline as Dimarco often prefers.
However, Dimarco's obvious technical advantages suggest he has the traits to adapt to a more regimented role if required. And the potential bargain opportunity for a more experienced asset in the final 12 months of his contract could outweigh any negatives.
Magpies star Hall has been touted as United's left-back for potentially the next decade should the club splurge to take him from St. James' Park. However, Dimarco is the much cheaper summer option for that role more readily available to take over the position here and now.
