Roma now working with Leeds United as Diego Llorente transfer development emerges
By Joe Roberts
AS Roma are “working on a new deal” to sign Leeds United defender Diego Llorente after his loan spell at the Italian giants, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
While only making 12 appearances for Roma in his six-month loan spell in the Italian capital, Llorente has seemingly proved his worth to Jose Mourinho’s defence following strong performances in both Serie A and the Europa League.
The 29-year-old centre-back failed to get much game time under former manager Jesse Marsch in the first half of the season which instigated the move to the eventual Europa League finalists.
Sky Sports Italy’s Di Marzio now reports that Roma are “working with Leeds” to strike a permanent deal.
Championship preparation continues
Having been relegated from the Premier League on the final day of the season, Llorente is unlikely to want to play Championship football next season. This may play well into Roma’s hands as they could get the Spaniard for a discounted fee.
However, Corriere dello Sport have reported that another loan would benefit Roma as they consider the £15 million option to buy an overvaluation of the player.
Mourinho is a fan of the player but admitted that the switch from Leeds to Roma was challenging at first.
“He has great international experience but needed a bit of time to learn how to play with us,” said Mourinho in a post-match press conference in April.
“Our playing style was a little strange for him when he arrived, but now he’s settled in perfectly.”
Leeds themselves must prepare for Championship football, and loaning out a player not keen to stay will help them keep their wage bills lower and cushion some of the blow of reduced revenue.
News of Llorente’s potential move comes as a string of Leeds players, including Robin Koch, Wilfried Gnonto, and Tyler Roberts, are reportedly linked to moves away from Yorkshire.
While Llorente has the ability to play a big role in Leeds’ campaign next season, he can’t be blamed for preferring to stay in Rome. Leeds themselves must remain focused on earning promotion back to the Premier League next season.
In other Leeds United news, an exit for Georginio Rutter is now on the cards as a development regarding the striker emerges.