By Anthony Onifade

27th May, 2023 | 7:10am

Leeds United must not hesitate to reach AS Roma agreement for Diego Llorente as transfer news emerges

Diego Llorente dreams of a return to Roma when his current loan spell away from Leeds United reaches its conclusion, and the Whites mustn’t hesitate to come to an agreement for a transfer.

The Spanish defender was surprisingly brought in by Jose Mourinho at the end of the January transfer window on a temporary basis with the potential to make it a permanent move in the summer, with an £18million option-to-buy clause in the loan contract [Daily Mail, 31 January]

Llorente had initially struggled for game-time and confidence since his move but hasn’t looked back since as the defender still works on a permanent Leeds United exit this summer, as per Corriere dello Sport [3 April].

The Serie A side are reaching the conclusion of their season, with Jose Mourinho’s men set to compete in the Europa League final on 31 May.

Roma have the option to sign the 29-year-old for £15.6 million when his current loan spell comes to an end and according to Forza Roma [24 May], the Italian giants have no desire to pay that sum.

Roma sporting director Tiago Pinto will return to the table to discuss a return for Llorente after 30 June, according to the report. Furthermore, the Serie A club sense an opportunity, with the “dynamic” of the deal set to change if Leeds are relegated.

The Spaniard is indeed dreaming of a permanent transfer to the Stadio Olimpico and is hoping both clubs can come to some sort of agreement this summer, and should the Whites suffer relegation to the Championship, they may be forced to accept a lower sum than the £15.6m.

But, with Llorente’s career at Elland Road seemingly at its end, the Whites mustn’t hesitate to negotiate a lower fee for his sale.

Forza Roma reported on 11 April that the Spanish international has told friends he desires a permanent Elland Road exit, which arguably shows some disrespect to his parent club.

However, given his current contract ends this summer, that certainly provides Leeds United with no incentive to try and drive up the price.

There’s going to be much change at the West Yorkshire outfit this summer with a potential 49ers enterprises takeover imminent and a player recruitment drive which looks set to be incredibly busy with players coming and leaving Elland Road, which means the club simply cannot afford to waste time over needless negotiations.

It is evidently clear Llorente wants out and Leeds United must grant him that wish, allowing them the funds and the opportunity to nurture current defensive options who actually want to help the club next season as well as seeking out younger, hungrier and talented targets.

Selling a 29-year-old, who is past his best and out of contract, seems like an incredibly smart piece of business.

In other Leeds United news, a potential fresh injury blow has emerged ahead of their crucial final-day Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road.