Diego Llorente in Italy ahead of Leeds United exit with loan-to-buy deal agreed with Roma - Phil Hay
Diego Llorente is already in Italy ahead of sealing a transfer from Leeds to AS Roma before Tuesday's transfer deadline, according to Phil Hay.
The Whites have agreed to allow Llorente to leave on an initial loan until the end of the season, with a permanent deal on the cards for the summer that would see Leeds recoup the £18m they paid Real Sociedad for him back in 2020.
But despite a deal not being totally agreed yet, with Leeds wanting to make the permanent clause obligatory and Roma wanting it to be an option for the summer, Llorente has already jetted out of the UK to seal a deal.
"Told the obligation aspect is still to be finalised (Leeds wants that in the deal)," he wrote on his personal Twitter account (30 January).
"Will either be obligation or option for permanent. Llorente in Italy preparing to complete loan."
Surprise
Llorente only signed a new contract at Elland Road back in December, having not had too long left to run on his contract at the time.
However it now seems as though the plan was simply to retain his value for when the club looked to move him on, and Roma have fallen foul to that.
Hay has reported that the amount has been agreed upon, with the £18m they paid being recouped, but whether that's guaranteed or an option is yet to be agreed. But with Llorente already in Italy, an agreement is sure to be found.
Diogo Monteiro's imminent arrival at Elland Road means that in the event of an injury crisis they're not short on options in central defence, while Wober's arrival means they're still stocked at first-team level too.
It's been a perfect window for Leeds, and this is the cherry on top of the icing on the cake for fans of the club to celebrate.