Manchester United 'contact Barcelona to discuss Sergino Dest'

Manchester United have reportedly been in touch with Barcelona to discuss a possible deal for Sergino Dest before the end of the transfer window.

Diogo Dalot is expected to start the campaign as Man United's first-choice right-back, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka said to have been made surplus to requirements by the club.

Ethan Laird is expected to leave on loan, meanwhile, which would leave the 20-time English champions short of options on the right side of their defence.

Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford, but according to Sport, the club are interested in bringing Dest to the club.

The report claims that Erik ten Hag's side have contacted Barcelona to discuss the possibility of a transfer before the end of the summer transfer window.

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Barcelona are said to be chasing Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta, and a deal for the Spaniard would allegedly lead to them allowing Dest to move on this summer.

The United States international could allegedly be available for as little as €20m (£16.7m), as Barcelona do have cover on the right, with Sergi Roberto capable of playing there, while summer arrivals Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde are also options on that side.

Man United boss Erik ten Hag is said to be a huge admirer of the American, viewing him as a player capable of fitting into his system at Old Trafford.

"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 believed to be privately open to switching teams this summer, as he is not guaranteed a starting role at Camp Nou during the 2022-23 campaign.

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Dest still has more than 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 for his Catalan side during the 2021-22 campaign despite some injury problems, making 31 appearances in all competitions, contributing three assists in the process.

Any deal for Dest will be separate to the negotiations over a move for Frenkie de Jong, who is still being strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford.

Man United are gearing up for the start of their 2022-23 Premier League campaign, with Brighton & Hove Albion the visitors to Old Trafford on the opening weekend of the new season.