Sergino Dest left out of Barcelona squad for La Liga opener amid exit talk

Barcelona defender Sergino Dest has been left out of the squad for Saturday's La Liga opener with Rayo Vallecano amid the speculation surrounding his future.

The 21-year-old has three years left to run on his contract at Camp Nou, having penned a five-year deal with Barcelona upon his arrival from Ajax in October 2020.

The United States international was a regular for his Catalan side during the 2021-22 campaign despite some injury issues, making 31 appearances in all competitions, contributing three assists in the process.

However, there has been widespread speculation surrounding his future this summer, with Manchester United and Chelsea both said to be keen to sign him in the current market.

Dest had been fit and available for the contest with Rayo, but the American has been left out of the squad, suggesting that he could be on his way before the end of the transfer window.

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The defender could reportedly be available for as little as €20m (£16.7m), as Barcelona do have cover on the right, with Sergi Roberto, Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde options on that side.

"I'm not thinking about transfers at the moment. I'm happy at this club, so I will definitely stay here," Goal recently quoted Dest as saying when asked about his future.

However, the defender is allegedly not prepared to be a bit-part player this season, and he would be interested in making the move to the Premier League over the next few weeks.

A recent report claimed that Man United had been in touch with Barcelona to discuss Dest, with the Red Devils keen to sign competition for Diogo Dalot during the 2022-23 campaign.

However, Erik ten Hag's side allegedly need to move Aaron Wan-Bissaka on before bringing in a new right-back, with the former Crystal Palace youngster potentially leaving on loan.

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Samuel Umtiti and Martin Braithwaite have also been left out of the squad, with the duo expected to leave the club before the end of the transfer window.

Meanwhile, new signing Kounde was not registered in time, but Christensen, Franck Kessie, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski have been included.

The contract renewals of Roberto and Ousmane Dembele have also been registered, and the duo are also in the squad for Barcelona's opening fixture of the campaign.

Frenkie de Jong, Memphis Depay and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who continue to be linked with summer exits, are also involved for the Catalan side, who finished second in La Liga last season behind Real Madrid.

Full Barcelona squad:

Ter Stegen, Pena, Tenas; Pique, Araujo, Christensen, Alba, Roberto, Garcia, Balde; Busquets, Pedri, Pjanic, Kessie, De Jong, Gavi; Dembele, Lewandowski, Fati, Torres, Memphis, Aubameyang, Raphinha