Man Utd open to £50m exit with Ten Hag greasing transfer of Chelsea, Tottenham target Sergino Dest

A Man Utd move for Barcelona full-back Sergino Dest is there for the making, and a report has revealed why that spells trouble for a current underperformer.

Sergino Dest, 21, has fallen out of favour since Xavi took charge at the Camp Nou this season. Veteran Brazilian Dani Alves returned to the club in January. He has been Xavi’s go-to man at right-back and two seperate muscle injuries have also hampered Dest’s cause further.

Yet at 21, the American remains a diamond in the rough and his attacking prowess from full-back has been there for all to see.

As such, talk of a move abroad to one of Manchester United, Chelsea or Tottenham has never been far away.

Now, 90min reaffirm that trio of clubs’ interest. However, they state why it is Old Trafford where Dest might end up.

The outlet report Dest is not deemed to be a part of Xavi’s long-term plans in Barcelona. As such, he has been told he is free to find a new club.

His camp are reportedly working feverishly to secure his next move and all three of United, Spurs and Chelsea have been approached. But the Red Devils appear to have the upper hand through incoming boss, Erik ten Hag.

Ten Hag lifts Sergino Dest transfer chances

Ten Hag managed Dest during their time together at Ajax. The Dutch boss is deemed receptive to a potential deal for Dest, though it’s acknowledged a right-back isn’t the club’s main priority.

Central midfield and centre-back will take greater precedent. However, a deal for Dest may ramp up in importance amid doubts over their current options.

The club’s hierarchy are deemed unconvinced by both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot. It is Wan-Bissaka that appears at most risk with the Athletic previously reporting former club Crystal Palace were eyeing a loan swoop.

90min state United are ‘open’ to loaning Wan-Bissaka back to Selhurst Park if their interest firms up.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be on his way back to Palace

Manchester United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be on his way back to Crystal Palace this summer.

The £50m signing endured his worst season to date at Old Trafford last year. His lack of attacking output also makes him a relatively poor fit for Ten Hag’s system.

Wan-Bissaka and Dest’s futures could therefore be intertwined. It stands to reason that Dest would only arrive if Wan-Bissaka first left.

Alternatively, a Dest move to London is a possibility if Wan-Bissaka stays put. Spurs and Chelsea are reportedly taking ‘more than a passing interest’ in a swoop.

However, Ten Hag’s connections put United in the box seat after the report concluded Dest would ‘jump at the chance’ to reunite with his former boss.

Dest to Man Utd – smart business?

The report notes Barcelona would be open to a loan exit if United don’t pursue a permanent deal. However, in our eyes, that type of move would make little sense.

Dalot has shown he is more than capable of being the club’s first choice right-back this season. If his promotion to first  choice pushes Wan-Bissaka out, then a new arrival will be inevitable.

But with the Red Devils embarking on a rebuild under a progressive new manager, it makes little sense for Wan-Bissaka to jump ship right now.

What’s more, Ten Hag’s system requires his defenders to hold their own in one-v-ones and that’s something Wan-Bissaka has always excelled at.

Furthermore, Dest has struggled with injury this season and as 90min stated, other areas of United’s squad are bigger priorities.

Unless Wan-Bissaka leaves, a move for Dest seems a luxury they can do without.