Manchester United have reportedly held discussions with Barcelona over the possibility of taking Sergino Dest on loan for the 2022-23 campaign.
The 21-year-old has not been involved for the Catalan club this season, while he has not even been on the bench for their last two La Liga matches against Real Sociedad and Real Valladolid.
Barcelona boss Xavi has informed the United States international that he is not in his plans for the season, with the club still looking to sign a right-back before the deadline.
A recent report claimed that Erik ten Hag's side were considering making a move for the defender before the deadline, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka potentially on his way out.
Diogo Dalot is Man United's first-choice right-back, but a departure for Wan-Bissaka would leave the Premier League side short of options in that area of the field.
© Reuters
According to the Manchester Evening News, the 20-time English champions have held 'exploratory talks' with Barcelona over a possible loan deal for the American.
The report claims that Ten Hag's team view Dest as an upgrade on Wan-Bissaka, and a deal for the Barcelona defender is a possibility if the former Crystal Palace youngster leaves before the deadline.
West Ham United and Palace are both said to be interested in signing Wan-Bissaka, who lost his starting role at Old Trafford in the second half of last season.
Man United have already signed Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro this summer, while a deal for Ajax attacker Antony has been agreed.
The club's summer transfer business was thought to be ending with a loan deal for Newcastle United's Martin Dubravka, but a new right-back could now arrive before the deadline.
© Reuters
Dest still 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 right-back was a regular during the 2021-22 campaign despite some injury problems, making 31 appearances in all competitions, contributing three assists in the process, but he has now been deemed surplus to requirements by Barcelona boss Xavi.
Dest played under Ten Hag at Ajax, and the new Man United head coach is believed to be pushing for a reunion in the latter stages of the market.
Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, is allegedly set to remain at Old Trafford despite being strongly linked with an Old Trafford exit since the start of July.
The Portugal international has been a substitute for Man United's last two Premier League matches against Liverpool and Southampton, and he could find it difficult to secure a regular starting role this term due to the recent arrival of Antony and return of Anthony Martial.
Matt Law
