Man Utd to ‘accelerate’ transfer of Barcelona youngster with departure of out-of-favour defender

Sergino Dest is reportedly a target for Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.
Sergino Dest is reportedly a target for Manchester United. Credit: Getty.Sergino Dest is reportedly a target for Manchester United. Credit: Getty.
Sergino Dest is reportedly a target for Manchester United. Credit: Getty.

Manchester United will look to ‘accelerate’ the departure of Aaron Wan-Bissaka in order to sign Sergino Dest from Barcelona, according to reports.

Wan-Bissaka is not Erik ten Hag’s preferred choice at right-back, with the Dutchman starting Diogo Dalot in each of his first two Premier League matches this season.

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While the Portugal international has played the full 180 minutes in the losses to Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford, he has not impressed in either game.

ManchesterWorld understands United would like to sign a right-back before the end of the window, although it’s believed the Frenkie de Jong transfer saga is holding up their pursuit of a new defender.

But the latest reports in Spain state United could attempt to get a deal across the line soon. Sport claim Ten Hag is interested in signing Dest, who he managed during his time at Ajax.

Dest was left out of Barcelona’s squad at the weekend for their opening game of the season. Credit: Getty.Dest was left out of Barcelona’s squad at the weekend for their opening game of the season. Credit: Getty.
Dest was left out of Barcelona’s squad at the weekend for their opening game of the season. Credit: Getty.

They add the United manager is ‘optimistic’ Dest will complete a move to Old Trafford and is valued at about €20m (£16.9m).

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Sport report that Barca would be willing to accept a loan deal for the American, so long as an obligation to buy is included.

However, this could be dependent on Wan-Bissaka moving on. ManchesterWorld has been told there is interest from former side Crystal Palace, and Roma, with a loan move the most likely outcome for the 24-year-old.

Wan-Bissaka looks destined to leave United this summer. Credit: Getty.Wan-Bissaka looks destined to leave United this summer. Credit: Getty.
Wan-Bissaka looks destined to leave United this summer. Credit: Getty.

In an odd twist, Wan-Bissaka has also been linked with a switch to Barcelona, as per journalist Gerard Romero, who also claims Dalot is among those being monitored by the Catalan club.

Meanwhile, in other news regarding United right-backs, Ethan Laird has moved on loan to Queens Park Rangers for the 2022/23 campaign.

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The youngster, who impressed for the Red Devils during pre-season, told QPR’s website: “It feels brilliant and I am delighted to get it over the line,” he said. “I can’t wait to get started. I just want to kick on and I feel I am at the perfect place to do that now.”