Leeds United are planning on moving for Barcelona full-back Sergino Dest assuming they retain their top-flight status, according to TEAMtalk’s James Marshment.
The American moved to the Nou Camp in 2020 from Ajax and was a regular during his first year with the Catalan giants, making 30 league appearances across 2020/21.
However he has since sunk down the pecking order under new boss Xavi and Barcelona are willing to offload the 21-year-old to raise funds for other targets who could fill the vacancy left from his departure.
TEAMtalk understands that Leeds are pushing forward with plans for the summer window and, subject to Prem survival, remain actively in pursuit of Brenden Aaronson.
He's not the only American on their radar either, with sources informing us that Sergino Dest is also a target.— James Marshment (@marshyleeds) March 31, 2022
Leeds reportedly see Dest as an excellent addition to their current squad, with his flexibility allowing him to offer competition to Luke Ayling on the right side whilst also being able to operate on on the left side of defence.
Junior Firpo was brought in last summer to replace the departing Gjanni Alioski on the left hand side but has struggled during his first season in English football, with his current employers already considering options to replace the 25-year-old.
Stuart Dallas has also had to fill in at full-back frequently throughout the season and Dest could add some much needed depth to an already paper-thin senior squad.
The Whites’ have endured a difficult second season back in the top flight, parting ways with the iconic Marcelo Bielsa in February and are keen to back new boss Jesse Marsch with the necessary funds to avoid a similar struggle next season.
Back-to-back wins against Norwich and Wolves have dragged Leeds 7 points clear of the drop zone and there is growing optimism around key figures at the club that they can begin planning for another year in the Premier League over the summer.
