Jesse Marsch should attempt to lure Sergino Dest from Barcelona to Leeds United, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
The lowdown
In the words of ESPN senior writer Tom Hamilton, the 48-year-old has become 'the most successful American coach in Europe' and a 'pioneer' for his country.
He led Red Bull Salzburg to two league titles and two Austrian cups before earning a move to RB Leipzig, who were Champions League semi-finalists in 2020. The former New York Red Bulls coach is now taking on the Premier League with Leeds, having succeeded Marcelo Bielsa at the end of February.
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Leeds are reportedly looking at 21-year-old Dest, with 17 caps for the United States, in addition to compatriot Brenden Aaronson, and the Whites believe that the former would be an 'excellent addition'.
He is represented by ICM Stellar Sports, whose clients also include Elland Road duo Patrick Bamford and Dan James.
The latest
Jones told GiveMeSport that Leeds face some pretty daunting competition for Dest, who made a 'dream' move to Barcelona in 2020, but he thinks that Marsch may be able to exert some pulling power.
The journalist claimed: "Sergino Dest has much bigger clubs interested in him right now. He's got huge ambition and doesn't even want to leave Barcelona because it was his dream move.
"But if Jesse Marsch has got any pull over him, then he should give it a go."
The verdict
Dest started 10 of Barcelona's first 11 La Liga matches this season, but since Xavi took over in November, the American has only been named in five starting line-ups. Injury problems have played a part, but his place looks considerably less secure than it did under Ronald Koeman.
If Marsch could tempt the £16.2m-rated wide man and Leeds could make an offer to Barcelona's satisfaction, then there would be cause for celebration at Elland Road.
Dest, who can operate in both full-back positions and as a winger, was Ajax's Talent of the Year in 2020 and also featured in the IFFHS Under-20 Team of the Year alongside the likes of Alphonso Davies, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Ansu Fati, so his potential is huge.
Indeed, Barcelona team-mate Dani Alves declared that 'he has everything to be one of football's greats', so if Marsch does have any sway over possibly enticing the 21-year-old to Leeds, he absolutely must utilise it.
In other news, this Leeds man could leave the club after Marsch spoke to him about his behaviour.