Watch: Fabrizio Romano has crucial update on Sergino Dest transfer

Manchester United are still looking for defensive reinforcements as the summer transfer window enters its final hours and Fabrizio Romano has provided a crucial update about their pursuit of Barcelona and USA right-back Sergino Dest.

United have spent the summer attempting to rebuild their squad after a disastrous 2021-22 season saw them finish a distant sixth in the Premier League and make little impact in the Champions League.

And a whole host of players have left Old Trafford this summer, including the likes of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata, Edinson Cavani, Eric Bailly and Jesse Lingard.

“If you analyse the situation it is not difficult to analyse,” interim manager Ralf Rangnick told Sky Sports in April. “For me, it is clear there will be six, seven, eight, maybe 10 new players. Before you sign those players you need to be aware how you want to play.”

While United haven’t signed 10 players since the window opened, they’ve been extremely busy in the market.

New boss Erik ten Hag has bought Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro to Old Trafford, with Antony and Martin Dubravka expected to be unveiled in the next few hours.

The Premier League giants are still in the hunt for a new right-back; Diogo Dalot has begun the season in fine form but Aaron Wan-Bissaka has reportedly been deemed surplus to requirements.

And United have revived their interest in the 21-year-old Dest. The defender was initially reluctant to leave Barcelona and intended to fight for his place in the team at the Camp Nou.

But, having been benched for Barcelona’s first three league games of the season, Dest understands his game-time will be limited going forward and is therefore open to joining Manchester United according to ESPN.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed United’s interest in the defender and said: “There were contacts on Tuesday evening between Barcelona and Manchester United for Sergino Dest.

“Why? Because Ten Hag is a big fan of Dest and, on Tuesday, Ten Hag decided to explore the possibility of signing Dest.

“Let me clarify that Dest is out of the project at Barcelona – as of now because it was basically with same with Ousmane Dembele in January and we saw how that situation changed so let’s keep things open for players.

“But, as of today, he is out of their project and the board want him out. At the moment, it’s over for Dest at Barcelona and they’re trying to find a solution.

“And, from what I’m told, Ten Hag is exploring this possibility for Dest. But, internally, the Manchester United board will only allow this possibility if they can find a solution for Aaron Wan-Bisakka.”

Turning his attention to the out-of-favour United defender, Romano said: “This means a good solution and an important transfer for Wan-Bisakka. Maybe this covers the whole salary, maybe it’s a permanent transfer.

“But it’s not easy to find a solution in just 48 hours. There are two clubs interested – Crystal Palace and West Ham – but there are no direct negotiations at the moment.”

READ MORE: Comparing Sergino Dest’s stats to Man Utd’s current right-backs