Barcelona are reportedly open to selling right-back Sergino Dest, amid interest from the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.
Last month, the 21-year-old USA international ruled out the prospect of leaving Camp Nou this summer, telling Goal: "I'm not thinking about transfers at the moment. I'm happy at this club, so I will definitely stay here."
However, speculation over the defender's future continues to rumble on with around three-and-a-half weeks of the transfer window remaining.
According to Sport, Dest is yet to convince Barca head coach Xavi since his appointment in November last year, and the Catalan giants are prepared to listen to offers for the right-back.
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The report adds that Xavi intends to sell Dest this summer and use the funds generated to recruit a first-choice right-back to compete with Sergi Roberto.
Since joining Barca from Ajax in the summer of 2020, Dest has made 72 appearances across all competitions, although injuries have prevented him from featuring on more occasions in his first two seasons at the club.
The American, who still has three years remaining on his contract at Camp Nou, is understood to have attracted interest from Premier League duo Man United and Chelsea, who are both on the lookout for defensive reinforcements.
The Daily Mirror claims that United boss Erik ten Hag is an admirer of Dest, who previously worked with the Dutchman during his time at Ajax.
The Red Devils could potentially swoop for the youngster if they agree to part ways with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has been linked with a return to Crystal Palace.
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Diogo Dalot is currently Ten Hag's first-choice right-back, with the Portugal international starting in United's 2-1 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.
Chelsea, meanwhile, had been linked with a potential move for Dest earlier this summer at a time when the future of captain Cesar Azpilicueta was uncertain amid interest from Barcelona.
However, it was confirmed last week that the 32-year-old has put pen to paper on a new two-year contract to keep himself tied to Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2024, ending Xavi's hopes of luring the Spaniard to Camp Nou.
Barca are now finalising a deal for Azpilicueta's Chelsea teammate Marcos Alonso, with one report claiming that the 31-year-old left-back will be announced as a new signing before the end of the week.
Xavi has made a total of five signings so far this summer, adding Andreas Christensen, Franck Kessie, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde to his ranks, but the Catalan club are still unable to register their new recruits with La Liga due to their well-documented financial problems.
Oliver Thomas
