Man United ‘in talks’ with Barcelona over Sergino Dest transfer despite Frenkie de Jong struggles

Man United ‘in talks with Barcelona over move for defender Sergino Dest’ despite difficulties trying to sign Frenkie de Jong from the Catalan giants… with Erik ten Hag ‘prepared to offer Diogo Dalot in return’

  • Manchester United are reportedly keen on signing Barcelona’s Sergino Dest
  • Erik ten Hag wants to improve his options at right-back with Dest valued at £17m
  • The Red Devils manager is happy to offer Diego Dalot in exchange to Barcelona
  • Dest played under Ten Hag in Holland before joining the Catalan side in 2020
  • United have faced problems in their pursuit of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong  

Manchester United are pursuing a deal for Barcelona full-back Sergino Dest, according to reports.

Erik ten Hag’s side are chasing another player from the Catalan club this summer, amid their ongoing pursuit of Frenkie de Jong.

According to Sport, Ten Hag is looking to upgrade his right-back options and is willing to send Diego Dalot the other way to complete a deal for Dest.

Manchester United are reportedly pursuing a deal for Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest 

Erik ten Hag wants a new right-back and is happy to send Diogo Dalot to Barcelona in exchange

Erik ten Hag wants a new right-back and is happy to send Diogo Dalot to Barcelona in exchange

Ten Hag managed Dest while at Ajax before the American moved to Barcelona for £23.5m

Ten Hag managed Dest while at Ajax before the American moved to Barcelona for £23.5m

Barcelona have set a price tag of £17million for the USA international but United are hoping to strike a deal by offering the Portuguese full-back in exchange.

Dest has made 72 appearances across two seasons at the Nou Camp after he joined the club for £23.5m from Ajax.

He has often featured as a rotational option for Barcelona however with Sergi Roberto and Ronald Araujo preferred by Xavi at right-back during pre-season.

Dest previously played under Ten Hag in the Netherlands and this move follows the trend of the Dutchman signing players he has managed before or seen close up in the Eredivise, where the new United manager has spent the majority of his managerial career.

Dalot displaced former Crystal Palace man Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the starting XI last season

Dalot displaced former Crystal Palace man Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the starting XI last season

Dalot meanwhile displaced Aaron Wan-Bissaka in United’s starting line-up last season and started during Sunday’s Premier League defeat to Brighton.

However, he was one of a number of players to receive criticism for their performance and along with Wan-Bissaka, now also seems to be available for transfer.

Dalot arrived at Old Trafford in 2018, but has failed to convince, playing just 66 times for the Red Devils since his £17.4m move.

It remains to be seen whether either Dalot or Dest would be happy swapping clubs.

United’s reported interest in the Barcelona right-back is despite their convoluted pursuit of De Jong, with the transfer saga surrounding the midfielder having dominated their summer.

The Dutchman is Ten Hag’s top target and played under him at Ajax but United have faced significant problems trying to secure the deal.

It looked like the deal had been done at one point after the Red Devils agreed a £63million fee with Barcelona.

United have faced difficulties in their protracted pursuit of Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong

United have faced difficulties in their protracted pursuit of Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong

But De Jong’s reluctance to leave the Nou Camp, along with significant complications with the Spanish giant’s finances with disputes over unpaid wages to the Dutchman, means the move is looking increasingly unlikely.

The midfielder was reportedly unwilling to move to a club not in the Champions League, with Ten Hag’s side competing in the Europa League this season.

And it could be about to get worse for United as Chelsea have reportedly agreed a £68m fee for the player, with De Jong reportedly on the verge of joining Chelsea.

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