Prospective new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has “expressly asked” for the Blues to make a move for Inter Milan wingback Denzel Dumfries, according to TMW.

The Italian website claims that Pochettino “wants” the Netherlands international at Stamford Bridge ahead of the start of next season.

Dumfries has been linked with a move to Chelsea over the past year or so, with Manchester United and Tottenham having also been mentioned as potential suitors for the defender.

However, following the decision to sign Malo Gusto from Lyon in January, reports of the club’s interest in Dumfries died down.

It is, therefore, a surprise that Pochettino would be so keen on snapping up the Dutchman now. With Gusto and Reece James both options for the right flank, there isn’t room for another addition in that area.

Unless Pochettino has concerns about James’ injury record, or he believes Gusto isn’t ready for Premier League football, it’s difficult to see why Dumfries would be needed.