Manchester United have been handed a significant transfer boost after Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez left Sergino Dest out of his 23-man squad against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday. Reports suggest the Red Devils are enthusiastic about signing the full-back and his omission from the squad will only give them more encouragement to explore a deal.
The USA international has been disregarded of the Catalan giants’ opening fixture of the brand new La Liga campaign, while Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay were included. That may suggest Xavi doesn’t see a spot for Dest in his plans for the forthcoming season as he looks to scale back the dimensions of his bloated squad.
The Spaniard revealed he has informed the players in his squad which can be surplus to requirements and Dest is believed to be one in every of those included on their unwanted list, with Cope reporter Helena Condis Edo reporting it was a ‘technical decision’ to go away him out and a ‘measure of pressure’ from the club to force him out.
That would prove to be a lift for United boss Erik ten Hag, who’s keen to make more signings before the transfer window closes on August 31. With doubts over the suitability of Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, United may find a way to swoop for Dest for a cut-price fee.
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Dest burst onto the scene with Ajax as a teen under Ten Hag’s guidance and the Dutchman’s relationship together with his former prodigy could also be enough to persuade Dest to maneuver to the Premier League.
The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to Old Trafford and Catalan outlet Sport claimed that United could offer Dalot in a possible swap deal. But Barcelona’s perilous financial situation means they might insist a cash-only deal, with their asking price considered around £17m (€21m).
ESPN report that Dest continues to be planning to stick with Barcelona and fight for his place, having only joined the Blaugrana in 2020, even though it seems unlikely that the American is willing to tolerate being disregarded of the club’s 23-man squad.
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Nonetheless, Xavi is known to see Ronald Araujo and Sergi Roberto as more viable options at right-back, which could help persuade Dest to secure a move away from the Camp Nou.
The report adds that there are not any ongoing talks with any club for Dest, suggesting that United are yet to make an official approach to Barcelona.
Chelsea have also held an interest within the highly-rated right-back in recent months and the Blues may decide to rival United if it emerges that the teenager is out there to sign this summer.
