Sergino Dest has revealed that he is working to "convince" AC Milan to sign him on a permanent basis at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
Having been seemed surplus to requirements at Barcelona during the summer transfer window, Dest was placed on the transfer list, and he was linked with a number of clubs before eventually joining Milan on loan in the latter stages of the market.
The 21-year-old has made two appearances for the Italian side since his arrival, featuring in the Champions League clashes with Red Bull Salzburg and Dinamo Zagreb.
Dest has been an unused substitute in the team's Serie A clashes with Inter Milan and Sampdoria, though, with Davide Calabria seen as the starting right-back.
The Red and Blacks have the option to acquire the United States international on a permanent basis this summer, and the defender hopes that he is able to convince the Serie A champions to sign him.
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"Here, I can improve a lot. Now, it's my turn to improve myself as much as possible. What I can do is give my best and convince Milan to keep me at the end of the season. Now I just have to give 100%," Dest told reporters.
"I am a versatile defender, I can play both left and right. My favourite position is the full-back, but if I need to, I can play even further ahead.
"Everything is going well. We are playing every three days, so I didn't have time to look around and visit the city. Everyone in the team is very welcoming, it's not easy to remember all the names, but the coach helps me.
"It's a different league, here I can become a more complete player. I'll have to focus on improving my defensive skills. Changing teams and leagues is an excellent opportunity to grow.
"I am happy to be here. [Stefano] Pioli's game is very good, it can allow me to develop my game in the best possible way. This season can be an opportunity for me to help the team, developing both my offensive and defensive characteristics.
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"I have recently arrived. Everyone is helping me, but I want to integrate into the whole group without specifically binding to anyone."
Dest, who was also heavily linked with Manchester United late in the summer window, has made 71 appearances during his time at Barcelona, contributing three goals and four assists in the process.
The American was a regular for the Catalan giants last season despite some injury problems, featuring on 30 occasions in all competitions, contributing three assists in the process.
Dest started his professional career at Ajax, representing the Dutch side on 38 occasions before making the move to Camp Nou in October 2020.
