Man Utd could make 'enquiry' for £17m star 'in next 24 hours' at Old Trafford
Manchester United could ‘make an enquiry’ for Barcelona star Sergino Dest ‘in the next 24 hours’ after boss Erik ten Hag has set his sights on completing a late deal at Old Trafford, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
While Antony is joining the Red Devils after an £81.3million agreement was reached with Ajax, further reinforcements could be drafted in ahead of Thursday’s 11pm deadline.
What’s the latest news involving Dest?
According to Spanish sources, Manchester United are intensifying their pursuit of Dest and a swap deal which would involve Aaron Wan-Bissaka heading to the Nou Camp has been discussed.
The report suggests ten Hag is ‘favourable’ to the arrival of the 17-cap United States international at Old Trafford as the transfer deadline nears.
Manchester United have also reportedly offered Diogo Dalot to Barcelona, instead of Wan-Bissaka, in exchange for Dest.
It is understood that talks have been held over a cash deal, with Barcelona seeking £17million, while a loan with an obligation to buy could be negotiated.
Dest, who made 38 appearances under ten Hag while they were together at Ajax, has just shy of three years remaining on his £64,000-per-week Barcelona contract.
What has Dean Jones said about Dest?
Jones believes that Manchester United will only be able to up the ante in their pursuit of Dest if it becomes clear that Wan-Bissaka is on his way out of Old Trafford.
The journalist would not be shocked if the Red Devils held conversations with Barcelona over the 21-year-old right-back ahead of the transfer window slamming shut.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “At the moment, they’ve still got Wan-Bissaka there. I think he would pretty much need to leave the club simultaneously to United actually signing somebody to make sure they don’t end up with a string of right-backs leftover at the club.
“We will have to wait and see how the movement happens, but it wouldn’t surprise me if we saw United at least make an enquiry for Dest in the next 24 hours.”
Is Wan-Bissaka likely to leave and facilitate Dest’s arrival?
According to The Athletic, Wan-Bissaka has gained interest late in the transfer window from Crystal Palace and West Ham United.
However, the report suggests Manchester United have rejected the approaches from their Premier League rivals as ten Hag, who was appointed as the club’s new boss following the climax of last season, is fearful that he does not have enough time to secure a replacement.
With that being the case, it is unlikely that Wan-Bissaka – who joined in a £50million move from Crystal Palace three years ago – will be heading out of the exit door.