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Xavi addresses Sergino Dest future amid Manchester United links

Xavi addresses Sergino Dest future amid Man United links
© Reuters
Barcelona boss Xavi suggests that Manchester United-linked Sergino Dest has been told that he is free to leave Camp Nou.

Barcelona boss Xavi said that Sergino Dest "knows what the situation is" when questioned on the American's future at Camp Nou.

The 21-year-old was left out of the squad against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga last weekend amid claims that he has been told to leave the Catalan giants before the end of the transfer window.

Dest still has another three years left to run on his contract at Camp Nou, while he has been a regular since his arrival from Ajax in October 2020, making 72 appearances in all competitions.

The United States international featured on 31 occasions in all competitions, contributing three assists in the process, but he has allegedly been made surplus to requirements by Xavi for the 2022-23 campaign.

Manchester United have been strongly linked with Dest in recent weeks, with the Red Devils believed to be keen to sign a new right-back before the end of the transfer window.

 United States defender Sergino Dest controls the ball out of the air during a FIFA World Cup Qualifier, October 13, 2021© Reuters

Xavi was asked about the defender during a press conference on Saturday, and the Barcelona boss appeared to confirm that the former Ajax youngster had been told that he is not in the club's plans.

"Being honest, we wanted to sign Cesar Azpilicueta [from Chelsea] and we couldn't, so that's the situation," Xavi told reporters ahead of the clash with Real Sociedad on Sunday night.

"But we do have players to provide cover there. Ronald [Araujo] did well there last weekend, Sergi Roberto can play there and [Jules Kounde] can as well in case of an emergency."

When asked directly about Dest, Xavi said: "He knows what the situation is."

There have been suggestions that Dest could be available for as little as €20m (£16.7m), with Chelsea also believed to be showing an interest in the defender during the summer market.

Barcelona's Sergino Dest walks off the pitch after sustaining an injury on March 17, 2022© Reuters

English journalist Jonathan Shrager said on Friday that he had been told by the right-back's agent Joes Blakborn that there is not currently an offer on the table from Man United.

"Dest's representative Joes Blakborn tells me that Manchester United have not recently been in contact to discuss a possible transfer. At this moment, no club has made Barcelona an offer for Sergino," Shrager posted on his official Twitter account.

Diogo Dalot has started the season as Man United's first-choice right-back, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka allegedly being told that he is free to leave before the end of the transfer window.

Crystal Palace are said to be in discussions over a possible return for the full-back, while Ethan Laird has been allowed to join Queens Park Rangers on loan, leaving the Red Devils short of options in that area of the field.

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Aaron Wan-Bissaka in action for Manchester United in October 2021
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