'For Leeds...' - Journalist drops news of 'big deal' Orta's working on; could replace senior man

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has made a claim on Leeds United and possible move for Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest.

Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch met earlier this month to discuss the profile of player they want to target this summer ahead of the latter’s first full season in charge.

Dest was linked with a move to Yorkshire prior to those talks, with sources revealing that the USA international is on Orta’s radar alongside RB Salzburg’s Brenden Aaronson.

Dest is currently under contract at the Nou Camp until 2025 and has made 69 appearances for the Catalan giants, turning out at full-back and on the wing on both sides.

Talking to This is Futbol, O’Rourke said that Leeds will be on the hunt for a right-back and name-checked Dest, suggesting it could be a ‘big deal’.

“They’ll be looking at a right-back, I think, as well. Sergino Dest has been mentioned possibly as that one which will be a big deal for Leeds.”

By the looks of it, the Whites will be ‘looking’ to bring in a right-back over the summer, which could result in Luke Ayling becoming second-choice at Elland Road.

Ayling has grown with the club since joining in 2016 and has made 217 appearances for the Whites. However, he will be entering the final 12 months of his contract in the summer, where he will turn 31.

He reportedly wants to stay at Leeds for the rest of his career, however, he may have to accept dropping down to the bench going forward, should the Whites land someone like Dest over the coming months.

In other news: Leeds and Orta want ‘extraordinary’ ace in Bosman move; same agent as Bamford. 

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