Exclusive: Spanish big guns in talks to sign Leeds star

Real Betis have made enquiries about signing Leeds United defender Diego Llorente this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

Betis have already completed the signing of Marc Roca from Leeds, and Llorente’s name was brought up during discussions over the deal.

After spending last season on loan at Roma, the defender is not expected to return to Leeds, and sources say the interest in his signature is “concrete”.

The 30-year-old has two years remaining on his deal at Elland Road and a new loan or permanent deal is likely to take place in the coming weeks.

Real Betis make contact over Diego Llorente signing from Leeds United

Llorente joined Leeds from Real Sociedad in an £18million deal in 2020, before signing a new deal in 2022, but the club will now look to cash in on his signature.

Since his arrival in England, the centre-back featured 59 times for the club in the Premier League.

He was a part of last summer’s mass exodus at Elland Road following their relegation, and is unlikely to return while the club is in the Championship.

Having spent the second half of the relegation season on loan at Roma, the deal was extended for the following year.

The centre-back endured a mixed spell as Roma reached the Europa League semi-final, although he was left on the bench for both legs, and finished sixth in the Serie A.

Betis, meanwhile, saw success with their loan deal for Roca and will now look to revisit that link with Leeds to land Llorente’s signature.

Roca featured 37 times for the Spanish club during his loan spell, scoring four goals and picking up three assists from a deeper midfield role as they finished seventh.

In other news, Archie Gray is on standby ahead of a Tottenham medical.

For more Leeds United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

The post Exclusive: Spanish big guns in talks to sign Leeds star appeared first on Football Insider.