Earlier this summer, it was said that Leeds want to bring Barcelona defender Sergino Dest to the Premier League.
The United States international – a fellow countryman of Jesse Marsch – was supposedly in the plans of Xavi, who intended to keep him at the Camp Nou this season.
However, the Spaniard has seemingly done a U-turn on that decision after today’s squad was released.
What’s the story?
Well, when Xavi named his squad for tonight’s clash with Rayo Vallecano, the £64,000-a-week defender was nowhere to be seen.
There has been no talk of an injury for Dest, and he isn’t being made to serve any suspensions which have carried over from the 2021/22 campaign, so his absence is surely transfer related.
It comes after Manchester United opened talks to sign the 21-year-old, so if he isn’t moving to Elland Road, he could well be swapping the Camp Nou for Old Trafford.
SPORT believe Barcelona want €20m (£17m) for the Ajax academy graduate.
Interest in Dest comes after he made 31 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona last season.
Leeds need Sergino Dest
Interestingly, Dest is capable of playing at right-back and left-back, which could prove to be invaluable for Marsch over the course of the season.
With issues at left-back following a quad injury to Junior Firpo, a new full-back would be very welcome, especially a bright young talent with experience of international football and Champions League football.
Pascal Struijk started at left-back in the 2-1 win over Wolves last weekend, a man who is usually found in the centre, so Dest’s arrival would ensure Marsch can stop using square pegs in round holes.
£17m for such an experienced 21-year-old represents a good investment, so Leeds must make a bid after Dest was left out of the Barcelona squad by Xavi.
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