Manchester United are prepared to swap Aaron Wan-Bissaka for Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest, Spanish publication Sport report.
The Red Devils are aiming to sign a new right-back before Thursday’s transfer deadline with Wan-Bissaka out-of-favour under manager Erik ten Hag.
It was recently suggested that the club could offload Wan-Bissaka first before pursuing a replacement, but they could now negotiate a swap deal.
According to Sport, the Red Devils have now started negotiations with Barcelona over a possible swap agreement involving Wan-Bissaka and Dest.
It is added that Wan-Bissaka is valued higher than Dest (€25m compared to €18m), and Barcelona would be open to a loan exchange for the season.
Ten Hag has already given the approval to sign Dest, who was his former Ajax player.
A loan swap could be ideal for Manchester United
United have been regularly linked with Dest over the past few weeks, and could finally get the chance to sign him with Wan-Bissaka moving the other way.
It is quite clear that Wan-Bissaka does not fit into Ten Hag’s plans, and he is said to be eyeing a more attack-minded right-back, who can compete with Diogo Dalot.
Dest would be a quality signing taking this into regard. The United States star is very strong with his distribution and has the knack of making overlapping runs.
He fared brilliantly under Ten Hag at Ajax in 2019/2020 with eight goal involvements, but has not been able to replicate the showing since his move to Barcelona.
The 21-year-old has played in various positions including left-back, right wing-back and on the right wing. Xavi Hernandez no longer considers him as part of his plans.
Despite this, Barcelona want a replacement before offloading him. United have Wan-Bissaka as an exchange option, and it remains to be seen whether a loan swap materialises.
If they strike a deal, Wan-Bissaka also has a big decision to make. He will need to give the green light to join the Catalans where he won’t have an assured starting spot.
Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen and Jules Kounde are all capable of playing from the right-back role. The club also have Sergi Roberto, who has featured at right-back.
In our view, there is a higher possibility of Dest arriving on a straight loan deal while Wan-Bissaka joins another club on a temporary basis where he has assured minutes.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com