Leeds United transfer news: Diego Llorente an ‘excellent’ Roma move amid £18m sale verdict

Diego Llorente would be an “excellent” signing for Roma this summer but Leeds United have asked too much for the deal to be done, according to Il Messaggero.

The Spaniard has spent the second half of the season on loan with the Europa League finalists, and featured as a late substitute in the penalty shoot-out defeat to Sevilla last week (31 May).

But although the 29-year-old is viewed as such a positive option for Jose Mourinho’s side he’s simply seen as far too expensive right now, with his permanent £18million option not taken up.

Rome-based newspaper Il Messaggero summed up the Leeds United misfit’s time with the Giallorossi: “He arrived in January in silence, he gave his contribution beyond expectations with a calmness and experience that perhaps the department lacked.

“Too bad he got injured at the climax. He would be an excellent reinforcement on which to build the future, if only Leeds didn’t ask for 18 million for the ransom.”

Unless six months away from Elland Road has given Llorente a fresh perspective on his Leeds United career and he is ready for an assault on the Championship the Whites would surely be better off going back to Roma and working out a reduced fee.

The former Real Sociedad man appears to have settled far better in the Italian capital than he ever really has in West Yorkshire, and with cut-price exits on the cards for various other first-team players following relegation he seems like one they would happily let go.

The chances of doing so may have already taken a hit with Roma apparently lining up top free agent Evan N’Dicka to take Llorente’s place already.

But with Liam Cooper widely regarded as committed to the promotion push, the chances of keeping Max Wober at Elland Road considered strong, and the returning Charlie Cresswell due to be kept [Leeds Live, 4 June] in the first team after a season of Championship action at Millwall there are probably not many opportunities in the season ahead for Llorente.

Sitting on the bench in the Championship doesn’t seem like a solution for player or club so unless Roma have entirely moved on it seems like a set of negotiations that should be explored urgently.

In other Leeds United news, the Whites’ interest in a high-profile manager has helped force a rival club off his trail.