Manchester United in negotiations with Barcelona youngster over late move

As Barcelona looks for a method to get rid of out-of-favor defender Sergino Dest, Manchester United could lend a hand.

According to journalist Gerard Romero, the Red Devils are negotiating a late move to Old Trafford with the Catalan giants, who are eager to get rid of him.

Dest joined Barcelona two years ago from AFC Ajax in a €20 million deal. While he was a regular under then-manager Ronald Koeman, the USMNT right-back was never quite convincing.

Following the acquisition of Xavi Hernandez last year, the defender dropped down the pecking order. Dest was given a chance to impress the boss during pre-season, but he did not take advantage of his opportunities and has been judged surplus to needs at Spotify Camp Nou.

Barcelona is already looking for a replacement, but the AFC Ajax star has yet to find a club. Villarreal expressed interest in the 21-year-old and made an approach, only to be turned down by the full-back, who will only consider moving if he receives a ‘big offer.’

And Manchester United has now emerged as a prospective destination for Dest, with the two parties already in talks about a late-season transfer.

Erik ten Hag manages the Red Devils, who gave Dest his first-team debut three years ago at Ajax. So a reunion with the Dutchman appeals to the exile from Barcelona.

To make a move happen, Manchester United would have to get rid of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has fallen behind Diogo Dalot in the Old Trafford pecking order.

With only a few days until the transfer window closes, it will be intriguing to see if Dest can clinch a move away from Barcelona.