Leeds United transfer news: Marc Roca exit now in doubt as form suffers after pneumonitis

Marc Roca's presumed Leeds United exit to Real Betis is now in doubt due to his faltering form in La Liga, according to Mucho Deporte.

The Spanish outlet reported via their website on 4 March that the on-loan midfielder's future at the club is now in question amid poor form in the wake of being hit by pneumonitis, an inflammation of the lungs.

With the Whites currently on course to land at least a Championship play off place the chances of an extension to his loan are becoming more remote.

A permanent move was already considered not easy on a financial basis, but especially now that he is struggling on the pitch.

Leeds United transfer exit may not be possible for on-loan midfielder

Roca had established himself as a key man in the Betis side this term, playing his way into the national set up, and had indicated, in as many words, that he wanted to stay past the end of the season.

But he has missed three of their past six La Liga fixtures and was withdrawn at half time of the weekend defeat at Atletico Madrid where Mucho Deporte claim he was "not good".

That is a startling fall from being considered one of the "most sought-after players in the country" according to El Desmarque as recently as 15 January, when it was reported that conversations had already been initiated with his agents over staying at the Seville-based club.

Should Leeds United be promoted to the Premier League it was considered a tricky deal for Betis to do anyway, as there is no permanent option in his loan in that situation.

They are said to be unable to afford anything close to the realms of €20million [£17.1m], so if that was considered a stumbling block when he was playing well then it is perhaps little surprise the Spaniards are turned off the idea if he is now playing poorly.

The Whites would surely be happy enough to just make their money back on the £10m they paid Bayern Munich two summers ago [Sky Sports] as he never looked fully suited to the Premier League, having been deemed unlikely to make it in Germany, and appeared comfortable back in Spanish football, but that seemingly might not be possible.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites could now sign a new attacking talent after what he did for the club straight away.

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