Leeds: £16.2m star 'definitely an ambitious Elland Road target'

Leeds United have identified an ‘ambitious target’ after Jesse Marsch has set his sights on luring Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest to Elland Road, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Marsch is preparing himself for his first transfer window at the helm, having been appointed as the Whites’ head coach in February, and it appears he wants Dest to be among his maiden acquisitions.

According to TEAMtalk, Marsch is keen to welcome fellow American Dest to Yorkshire when the transfer window reopens for business.

The report suggests Dest will be made available to suitors as Barcelona are eager to raise funds in order to strengthen their own squad and Leeds believe the 17-cap United States international will be an ‘excellent addition’ to their squad.

It appears the Catalan giants could look to negotiate a high-profile swap deal as, according to Spanish sources, Barcelona have considered offering Dest in exchange for Leeds winger Raphinha.

Dest may have made more than 70 appearances since swapping Eredivisie giants Ajax for the Nou Camp, but it appears he is increasingly likely to leave La Liga.

That does not necessarily mean he will end up at Leeds as it is understood that Barcelona are willing to sanction his departure to Bayern Munich if Robert Lewandowski heads in the opposite direction.

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O’Rourke believes Marsch is showing that he means business and has high standards by looking to tempt Dest to Elland Road.

The journalist feels having Marsch in the dugout could give Leeds an advantage as they look to strike a summer deal.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “He is definitely an ambitious target, but he is one that you can see makes a bit of sense, obviously, when you’ve