Leeds transfer news: Marsch wants to snap up Sergino Dest after Man Utd offered Barcelona star

Leeds United have eyes on Barcelona full-back Sergino Dest after Manchester United were offered the American, TEAMtalk understands.

After a worrying few months, Whites boss Jesse Marsch and director of football Victor Orta finally have clarity over their spending power. Following Leeds’ dramatic Premier League survival, they can look forward to another season in the top flight.

However, that means trying to avoid the mistakes of this season. While injuries did not help, the lack of any signings in January failed to provide cover or bolster their ranks.

As a result, Leeds are acting fast this summer as Marsch looks to get his Elland Road project up and running.

The Whites are closing in on a deal for RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson. And TEAMtalk understands that Marsch wants another fellow American in Barcelona’s Dest.

The 21-year-old is surplus to requirements at Camp Nou and does not feature in head coach Xavi’s long-term plans.

Indeed, Xavi brought former team-mate Dani Alves back to Barcelona earlier this season and he is set for a new deal.

Bayern Munich have also had links with Dest, but they opted to sign former Ajax man Noussair Mazraoui instead.

Elsewhere, Mazraoui’s ex-Ajax boss Erik ten Hag has been offered the chance to bring Dest to Old Trafford.

However, Leeds now have the 17-cap USA international on their radar.

Dest has played 31 times this season but has also had his injury problems, missing the last five La Liga games of the season.

Leeds eye Sergino Dest to bolster full-backs

Leeds have identified the full-back area as one they need to bolster this summer.

They raided Barca for Junior Firpo last summer, but he has struggled to truly adapt to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, utility full-back Stuart Dallas broke his leg earlier this month and is out for around six months.

Luke Ayling is another regular and a new contract is on the cards for him.

Aside from that trio, though, youngster Leo Hjelde is only making his breakthrough. The 18-year-old played twice in the Premier League this season but is still a way off a regular first-team role.

Diego Llorente and Robin Koch have filled in at full-back this season, but Marsch wants to bolster his squad to try and avoid a repeat of the injury problems this term.