Manchester United were not in 'advanced' talks over a swap deal for Barcelona star Sergino Dest - who looks set to join AC Milan - which could have seen Aaron Wan-Bissaka leave Old Trafford, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils have already splashed out close to £215million on reinforcements during the summer window, but boss Erik ten Hag may still add more fresh faces ahead of tonight's 11pm deadline.
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What's the latest news involving Dest and Wan-Bissaka?
According to Spanish sources, Manchester United held discussions with Barcelona over whether a swap deal involving Dest and Wan-Bissaka would be possible.
The report suggests ten Hag was ‘favourable’ to the arrival of 17-cap United States international Dest at Old Trafford.
Wan-Bissaka, who made the £50million switch from Crystal Palace three years ago, has also been linked with a move to Premier League rivals ahead of the deadline.
It is understood that Manchester United have turned down approaches from the 24-year-old right-back's former club and West Ham United due to fears over whether they will have enough time to source a replacement.
The Red Devils had reportedly opened talks over a potential loan deal which would have still seen Dest join if the swap proposal was rejected by Barcelona.
What has Fabrizio Romano said about the duo?
Romano understands that Manchester United failed to make progress in their attempts to land Dest in a swap deal which would see Wan-Bissaka head to the Nou Camp.
As a result, the respected Italian journalist would not be surprised if the former Crystal Palace man, who has made 173 career appearances, and Diogo Dalot are ten Hag's only right-back options following the closure of the transfer window.
Romano told GIVEMESPORT: "There were many rumours on potential swap deals with Barcelona, but I'm told that nothing was advanced [with United] for Sergino Dest.
"My feeling is that the right-back situation could be the same, with Diogo Dalot, of course, and Wan-Bissaka."
Did Dest want to join Manchester United?
It is understood that Dest was open to a move to Manchester United despite having initial reservations over sealing his Barcelona departure.
The 21-year-old may have made 110 appearances during the early stages of his senior club career, but he has failed to secure any game-time since the new season got underway.
With the 2022 World Cup in Qatar on the horizon, Dest will be desperate for regular action and a reunion with ten Hag - who he was selected by 38 times during his spell at Ajax - could have been on the cards, but a challenge in Italy awaits instead.