Leeds United head coach Jesse Marsch should look to lure Barcelona full-back Sergino Dest to Elland Road 'if he has got any pull over him', according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Marsch was appointed as the Whites' chief just 24 hours after Marcelo Bielsa's sacking and the American will be given his first opportunity to splash the cash when the window reopens in the summer.

What's the latest news involving Dest?

According to TEAMtalk, Marsch is looking to bring two of his fellow countrymen to Elland Road at the end of the season, with them being Brenden Aaronson and Sergino Dest.

The report suggests 17-cap United States international Dest could be made available for transfer after falling down the pecking order at Barcelona.

Dest has not made a La Liga start since February and is currently on the sidelines through injury, hampering his chances of reigniting his Nou Camp career under head coach Xavi.

It is understood that those working behind-the-scenes at Leeds believe the 21-year-old would be an excellent addition to their squad.

Spanish sources have claimed Barcelona have considered offering Dest as part of a potential deal which would see Whites favourite Raphinha head in the opposite direction when the window reopens.

The right-back could otherwise head to the Bundesliga if he fails to remain at the Nou Camp or set off for Elland Road as his current employers are willing to sanction his departure to Bayern Munich if Robert Lewandowski joins the Catalan giants.

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What has Dean Jones said about Dest?

Jones has questioned whether Marsch, with his American influence, could sway Dest towards joining Leeds in the summer.

The transfer insider feels the Whites boss should strengthen his interest if it becomes clear that a deal could be possible.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "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."

Could Leeds afford to sign Dest?

Dest is valued at a whopping £75million by the CIES Football Observatory, emphasising the potential he has already shown in the early stages of his career.

That would result in Leeds smashing their club-record transfer fee, but it is unlikely that Barcelona would hold out for anywhere near that figure considering they are willing to make him available in swap deals.

Dest would seek a lucrative salary if he were to join the Yorkshire giants as his Nou Camp contract, which still has more than three years to run, is worth £64,000-per-week.

Meeting similar wage demands should not be a problem for Leeds, particularly with the highest-earner - Rodrigo - raking in £100,000 every seven days.