Marc Roca reacts amid Real Betis transfer breakthrough for Leeds United man Diego Llorente
Leeds United defender Diego Llorente has been urged to complete his move to Real Betis by his former team-mate at Elland Road, Marc Roca.
In an interview with Estadio Deportivo (9 July) ahead of Betis’ pre-season training, Roca backed Llorente to be a success in Seville with a £2.5million transfer reportedly on the brink of completion [Marca, 8 July].
Roca had already signed a permanent deal to leave Elland Road for Betis having spent last season on loan at the LaLiga side, with Llorente set to join him in the Verdiblancos squad [Gonzalo Tortosa, 8 July].
The midfielder said: “Obviously I would advise him (to sign) because that is where I am, you want the best for yourself and your friends too.
“He had many offers, and if he has decided to come it is because he knows that he will be very good as a person, he is a great professional.
“If he signs it will help us a lot. I want the best for my friends. If he has chosen Betis it is because he knows he will be very good.”
Leeds United happy to see duo complete Real Betis transfers
Getting high earners who are not in the plans of manager Daniel Farke off the books is one of the main financial priorities at Elland Road this summer, hence such a low bid being accepted for Llorente [Graham Smyth, 8 July].
Roca’s exit saw him become the first of last season’s loanees – who departed in droves following the Whites’ relegation from the Premier League – to leave for a permanent transfer fee, with more to follow.
While Roma, whom Llorente has played for over the last 18 months, reneged on signing him permanently, Betis stepping into the breach is good news for all parties and seemingly has Roca’s support too.
United had reportedly rejected a previous Betis bid of more than double that amount last month, but with Llorente keen on the move, it appears the 30-year-old’s departure from Elland Road is set in stone [Diegolarom, 6 July].
With Llorente one of four of last season’s loanees not attending pre-season training at Thorp Arch, including ex-Roma team-mate Rasmus Kristensen, it remains to be see who else will leave the Peacocks permanently in the next few weeks [Beren Cross, 4 July].
In other Leeds news, an update has been provided on the Whites’ pursuit of Callum O’Hare.
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