TeamTalk report Leeds have joined Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to sign Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest. The American influence at the club is growing and 17-time USA international Dest could be the latest addition.
Jesse Marsch has been installed as manager, with the San Francisco 49ers becoming more and more influential in their ownership stake, upstairs. Leeds are also being strongly linked with Salzburg ace Brenden Aaronson.
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Now, Leeds are said to want Dest. Barcelona are keen to rake in some cash for new signings; fringe players will be allowed to go. £17m-rated (Sport) Dest has played 27 times – but has only completed 90 minutes 13 times.
Sport say that Chelsea are keen on Dest, while a previous report from the same outlet say Arsenal have taken a look. Dest, 21, could end up in England then. TransferMarkt say he has the same agent as Patrick Bamford.
Leeds eye Dest: The perfect long-term replacement for Ayling
Ayling remains a crucial part of the Leeds side, vice captain and often wearing the armband with Liam Cooper somewhat prone to injury. But he turns 31 in August and Leeds will need to find a replacement soon.
Dest would be perfect. His speed, his versatility – can play on the left or as a winger – and his proven ability at Barcelona level makes him an utter bargain at just £17million. Leeds did sign Junior Firpo from Barca, though.
But Dest would be a better signing than Firpo. Indeed, the latter has yet to hit the ground running with injury and a lack of momentum hampering his progress. Dest has the ability to excite Leeds fans.
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