Spanish centre-back Diego Llorente is closing to sealing a move to Leeds United, according to Phil Hay of The Athletic.
Leeds had been close to sealing a move for Dinamo Zagreb defender Josko Gvardiol. However, he has opted to join Bundesliga side RB Leipzig instead.
Leeds United Close to Agreeing a Deal for Diego Llorente
Swift Deal
Since Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds found out about Gvardiol’s move to Leipzig, they have moved quickly onto other targets.
According to the report, talks between Leeds and Llorente’s current club Real Sociedad are progressing well, with a deal hoping to be completed in time for to be in the squad to face Sheffield United this weekend.
Bielsa has always hoped to bring in two centre-back’s this summer. Although he prefers to operate with a small squad, he currently has just three central defenders in his squad.
As a result, Llorente is expected to join to add further competitions to their ranks.
Experienced Central Defender
Should he join, the 27-year-old would bring a wealth of experience and quality to Elland Road.
The Real Sociedad defender has been capped five times by his native Spain, showing how highly-rated he is. He was part of their most recent squad to face Germany and Ukraine in the UEFA Nations League.
Llorente has become a mainstay in the Sociedad defence, making 30 appearances in all competitions last season.
Perhaps the reason why he is being sought after by Leeds and Bielsa is his calm nature on the ball. The 27-year-old averaged 56.2 passes per game last season, totalling an impressive completion rate of 87.3%. Bielsa prefers his side to move the ball out from the back as quickly as possible, meaning Llorente could be the perfect fit.
Leeds are also looking to make further additions before the window. They are keeping tabs on Manchester United’s Dan James, as well as several central midfielders.
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