Mark Smith

Mon 30 January 2023 12:10, UK

Leeds United and Roma are set to sign the contracts today to complete the transfer of Diego Llorente, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian journalist has reported that the Serie A side are closing in on the deal with an agreement in place for an initial loan switch from Elland Road.

Romano has shared that it will include an option to buy, although it has been widely shared that will actually be an obligation for Jose Mourinho’s side.

Writing on his personal Twitter account, Romano shared the latest news from Elland Road with a first-team exit now set for the next 24 hours it seems.

“AS Roma are closing in on deal to sign Diego Llorente from Leeds on loan with buy option clause, agreement in place,” he wrote.

“Clubs are set to complete contracts to get it signed today.”

Surprise.

This one has certainly come out of nowhere.

Llorente penned a new long-term contract back in December, but now it looks as though that was done to maintain his value and make sure Leeds don’t lose any money on him.

The Spaniard has fallen further down the pecking order this month with Max Wober arriving at the club, with Liam Cooper and Robin Koch already there.

Diogo Monteiro is set to arrive from Servette as another young prospect, but it also opens the door for Charlie Cresswell to really stake his claim for a first-team spot consistently.

The Englishman has also been linked with an exit this month, but he is a real talent and has to be given the chance to shine once he arrives back from his loan at Millwall.

Llorente is an experienced professional towards the end of his career so was likely unhappy being a fourth choice, something which could be perfect for Cresswell right now.

All eyes are on this situation now.

In other Leeds United news, this first-teamers future may now be in doubt as one incoming signing is now close to completion.