Leeds United would pull off a 'big, big coup' if they managed to welcome Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest to Elland Road in the summer, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The Whites appointed Jesse Marsch as their head coach in February and he will be given the opportunity to splash the cash for the first time at the end of the season.

What's the latest news involving Dest?

According to TEAMtalk, Marsch is set to be backed with a healthy transfer kitty in the summer and the American has made Dest one of his top targets.

The report suggests the 21-year-old could be allowed to leave the Nou Camp after falling down the pecking order under head coach Xavi and would be seen as an 'excellent addition' to Leeds' squad.

Although Dest is valued at £75million by the CIES Football Observatory, it is unlikely that Barcelona will be holding out for that figure when the transfer window reopens.

He could even head to Yorkshire in a high-profile swap deal as Spanish sources have claimed Barcelona have considered offering Dest in exchange for Leeds winger Raphinha.

A switch to the Bundesliga could otherwise be on the cards for the 17-cap United States international.

That is because it is understood that Barcelona are willing to sanction his departure to Bayern Munich if Robert Lewandowski joins the Catalan giants.

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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Dest?

O'Rourke believes Leeds would make a statement of intent if they succeed in luring Dest to Elland Road.

However, the journalist warns it will not be easy for Marsch to seal the deal as other big-name clubs will be keen to secure the American's services.

O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "I can see Leeds monitoring his situation. It would be a big, big coup if they were able to bring him to Elland Road in the summer.

"I'm sure there will be a lot of clubs looking at Dest, who has performed well for the United States over the last couple of years, especially if Barcelona are willing to sell him."

How has Dest performed so far this season?

Dest has made 27 appearances since the campaign got underway and shown he can be a threat in the final third of the pitch by racking up three assists.

Although he has shown his versatility by featuring on both flanks for Barcelona, he has not been involved for more than a month due to injury.

Xavi was appointed as the Catalan giants' head coach last November, but the alteration in the dugout has not necessarily paid off for Dest.

Coronavirus and various injury problems have restricted him to just nine starts under the Barcelona legend.