Bayern Munich are closing on the signing of Ajax teenager Sergino Dest.
Bayern are negotiating with the Dutch side over a fee to seal the deal for the 19-year-old after he emerged as their first-choice right-back target.
Bayern are hoping to land Dutch-born Dest, who made 35 appearances for the Amsterdammers last term, for less than £10million.
However, Ajax are holding out for a little over £13million to let Dest depart.
It’s understood that Dest is keen on a move to Bavaria and there are reports that he has already agreed personal terms on a five-year deal.
Barcelona have been keen on taking him to Camp Nou also, with Ronald Koeman a fan of the youngster.
Koeman, during his spell as Netherlands boss, had pushed for Dest to declare for the Orange, but the player ultimately opted for the United Staes.
Dest visited the Allianz Arena earlier this year, admitting: “I thought if Bayern is really going to get interested, I want to know a bit about how the club works. So I thought it would be nice to check it out.”
Now he looks increasingly set to return for good, replacing outgoing Thiago Alcantara in the Bayern squad with the Spaniard set to join Liverpool in a £26million deal.
Dest will vie with World Cup winner Benjamin Pavard for the right-back spot with the Champions League winners.
That will allow Joshua Kimmich - who played at right-back during their European Cup success - being pushed into midfield to replace outgoing Thiago.
Coach Hansi Flick’s long-term plan is for Kimmich - seen as a future captain of the side - to partner fellow Germany international Leon Goretzka at the base of midfield, mitigating Thiago’s loss.
Speaking on Thiago's exit on Thursday, Flick said: "Thiago is an extraordinary player and was very important for us. My coaching team and I enjoyed working with him. It was very emotional as we said goodbye.
"I can only congratulate Liverpool as they got a great player and especially a great person.
"Thiago gave the team a lot of options and made us unpredictable, he solved things in ways you don't expect.
"Now we're losing yet another great player."
Will Thiago shine at Anfield? Have your say below.
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