Diego Llorente entourage optimistic after new Leeds United transfer update

Leeds United defender Diego Llorente's entourage are confident the 30-year-old will be a Real Betis player by the end of next week, according to Diegolarom.

The Spanish journalist posted on X that Llorente's personal team believe he could sign for, and then join up with the La Liga side on their pre-season camp in Austria.

Llorente starting his Betis career by "mid-late next week" suggests that a transfer is indeed close, with Los Verdiblancos expected to field a new bid after their initial £5.1million offer was rejected [Diegolarom, 6 July].

The Whites have already begun their pre-season training at Thorp Arch, with Llorente a noticeable absentee despite not playing international football this summer as he looks to push the transfer through [Beren Cross, 4 July].

Diego Llorente transfer could be good news for Leeds United

Having not played for the club for well over 18 months, there's no player less likely to feature for Daniel Farke's side next season than Llorente - as was shown by his pre-season absence on 3 July.

With his permanent replacement signed, sealed and present in the form of £10million former Tottenham loanee Joe Rodon, any path back into the first team looks unlikely for Llorente [Graham Smyth, 1 July].

The feeling is clearly a mutual one, with the deal only having stalled to this point thanks to the Whites valuing the 30-year-old at more than £5.1million - understandable given the £18million fee paid in 2020 [Daily Mirror, 3 July].

Rodon, who occupies both Llorente's centre-back position and squad number, arrived as part of a £40million deal sending Archie Gray to Tottenham; a deal which also allows the club greater control over their high-value players this summer [David Ornstein, 1 July].

Farke will now not be forced into selling anyone - barring astronomical bids and exit requests - and Llorente also departing for a significant fee will only add further funds to the German's transfer kitty [Mucho Deporte, 5 July].

In other Leeds news, an update has been shared on record signing Georginio Rutter's future at the club.

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